Assin Fosu: 26-year-old man burnt to death in suspected arson attack

A 26-year-old man, Barron Guda popularly known as Efutu, has been burnt to death in a suspected arson attack at Assin Fosu in the Central Region.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 8, 2026, when fire engulfed his wooden structure. Firefighters and police arrived at the scene around 7:00 a.m. after receiving a distress call from residents, but Efutu’s body was found burnt beyond recognition.

ASP Rosemond Duncan, the Assin Fosu District Crime Officer, confirmed that personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded swiftly, though the blaze had already caused extensive damage.

Some residents who spoke to Angel News’ Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack suspect foul play. They allege that certain mechanics in the area had previously threatened to burn Efutu alive or forcefully evict him, accusing him of stealing from their shops.

“It’s no surprise. The fitters warned they would burn him or drive him out. That’s why we believe they intentionally set the place on fire,” one resident claimed.

Others, however, believe the fire may have been accidental. They say Efutu was seen earlier behaving erratically while smoking, raising the possibility that a cigarette might have sparked the blaze.

Tensions escalated shortly after the incident, with some agitated youth—believed to be friends of the deceased—confronting police officers with sticks and clubs, demanding the arrest of the mechanics.

To prevent further unrest, the district police called for reinforcement from the Regional Command, Divisional Police, and the Formed Police Unit (FPU).

ASP Duncan confirmed that the body has been deposited at the St. Francis Xavier Hospital morgue in Assin Fosu. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the actual cause of the fire.