The police have launched an investigation into a domestic fire that killed an officer and his family in Apromase, near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, on Monday.
Sergeant Owusu Asante Baafi and his family were trapped in their two-bedroom apartment when the fire broke out in the building that houses police officers on Sunday night.
Firefighters called to extinguish the blaze later discovered the victims’ charred bodies in the debris.
The shocking incident compelled the Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, and other top police officers to visit the bereaved family on Monday.
“The President through the Vice President and the sector minister has asked me to convey his personal heartfelt condolences to the family who has lost their loved ones and the affected officers… We want to assure you that we will do our best to support you so you become stronger,” the police chief said.
“After discussions with the fire service, there will be joint investigations to find out what exactly happened for us to learn the relevant lessons. I have also instructed that all the other blocks that have been affected will be evacuated and given a decent place nearby so that as school reopens your kids will not be disadvantaged while we leave this structure for a complete assessment,” the IGP said adding, “We feel your pain”.
Clinical psychologists will be deployed by the police administration to provide psychosocial support to the surviving victims. The IGP was joined by some senior officers from the police administration to express condolences to the victims and assure them that the police will meet their needs.
Ernest Kwarteng, the assemblyman for Apromase electoral area, stated that the incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday evening. He stated that authorities have begun an investigation.
“Firefighters from Ejisu came and then another was deployed from Oforikrom. Unfortunately, the family is gone. Investigations have started,” Kwarteng told reporters at the scene.
“We are just seeking some support from the general public because it is a difficult time for these affected young officers,” he added.
Baafi, 35, worked for the Ashanti Regional Police Command’s anti-robbery unit until his death. The remains have been deposited at the Living Waters Morgue in Krapa, Ejisu Municipality, for preservation
