Akatsi gbede-kope: A man believed to be in his 50s, known locally as 'Akpefu Adu', tragically lost his life after being electrocuted during a heavy rainstorm at Gbedekope, a suburb of Akatsi in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region. The incident occurred while he was assisting in preparations for a funeral.
According to Ghana News Agency, the deceased, identified as Francis Akpanya, was aiding mourners in food preparation when a sudden windstorm disrupted the event on Thursday afternoon. Mr. Benjamin Amenorpe, the Assembly Member for the area, reported that Akpanya was attempting to secure a canopy lifted by the storm when he came into contact with an electrified structure, resulting in his electrocution.
Mr. Amenorpe further explained that Akpanya was immediately taken to the Akatsi Municipal Hospital, where health officials pronounced him dead on arrival. The tragic event left the gathered mourners in shock and grief, as they were attending the funeral rites of another deceased relative.
Personnel from the Electricity Company of Ghana later arrived at the scene to restore order and conduct an assessment. Preliminary findings indicated that faulty electrical wiring in a nearby building had made contact with roofing materials, which subsequently electrified the canopy, leading to the fatal shock.
The body has been deposited at the Sacred Heart Hospital Morgue as investigations continue. Mr. Wonder Gatepe, the Assembly Member for the Shell/Tobacco Electoral Area, praised the deceased's contributions to sanitation efforts in the municipality and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. Akpanya, who left behind four children, was well-regarded in the community for his helpfulness and participation in social events.
Family members have yet to comment on the incident as investigations are ongoing.