A 23-year-old palm wine tapper, Kwaku Prince, popularly known as “On God,” has been arrested for allegedly setting ablaze the home of his girlfriend and her family in Subri Nkwanta, Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality, Western North Region.
Poulina Tweneboah Koduah, a relative of the victims, said she received a distress call from family members reporting that Prince had stormed their home in search of 19-year-old Benedicta Kudjo Felicia, a student at Queen Senior High School and his alleged girlfriend.
Koduah explained that the family had previously warned Prince to stay away, as they did not approve of the relationship given that Felicia was still in school.
“Despite our warnings, he insisted he loved her and threatened to burn down the house if we did not allow him to marry her,” Koduah said.
She added that she later received another call reporting that Prince had allegedly carried out his threat, setting the house on fire. Felicia was rushed to Bibiani Government Hospital but succumbed to severe burns.
The victims’ mother, 60-year-old Mary Andoh, also died at Anhwiaso Community Hospital. Another family member, 22-year-old Dora Adoma Kudjo, who had been transferred to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for further treatment, was later confirmed dead.
Police have arrested Prince, who is assisting with investigations. The bereaved family and community leaders are appealing to authorities to ensure justice is served.