Police arrest one suspect over deadly fire incident at Asuakwa

Correspondence from Bono Region

The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested a 58-year-old man, identified as Kodom Stephen, in connection with a tragic fire incident that claimed the lives of a couple at Asuakwa near New Dormaa in the Sunyani Municipality.

According to a police statement issued on November 3, 2025, by the Bono Regional Police Command and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the suspect was arrested on November 1, 2025, in Wenchi following a joint intelligence-led operation.

“The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested one suspect in connection with the fire outbreak, which happened on 20th October 2025, at Asuakwa near New Dormaa in Sunyani Municipality,” the statement said in part.

The police revealed that Kodom Stephen has since been provisionally charged with two counts of murder and causing unlawful damage. He was arraigned before the Sunyani District Court, presided over by His Worship Eric Daning, and has been remanded into police custody to reappear on November 11, 2025.

“The suspect was arraigned before the Sunyani District Court on two provisional counts of murder and causing unlawful damage, pending further investigation,” the statement added.

The Command further assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The fire outbreak, which occurred two weeks ago, tragically claimed the lives of 65-year-old Nana Ampofo and his 49-year-old wife, Grace Adu Boafoaa, plunging the entire community into deep sorrow.

The charred remains of the couple, who were burnt beyond recognition, were conveyed to the Sunyani Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.