By Agbaxode Emmanuel
Akatsi Gbede-Kope (VR), June 26, GNA – A man believed to be in his 50s, popularly known as ‘Akpefu Adu’, has died after he was electrocuted during a heavy rainstorm at Gbedekope, a suburb of Akatsi in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, while assisting in funeral preparations.
The deceased, identified as Francis Akpanya, was helping mourners prepare food for a funeral when a sudden windstorm struck the area on Thursday afternoon, disrupting activities at the event grounds.
Mr Benjamin Amenorpe, the Assembly Member for the area, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the deceased was attempting to secure a canopy that had been lifted by the storm when the tragedy occurred.
He explained that in the process, the deceased encountered an electrified structure and was electrocuted.
Mr Amenorpe added that the victim was immediately rushed to the Akatsi Municipal Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by health officials.
The incident left mourners in shock and grief, as they had gathered for the funeral rites of a deceased relative.
Personnel from the Electricity Company of Ghana later arrived at the scene to restore order and assess the situation where preliminary findings indicated that faulty electrical wiring in a nearby building had connected with roofing materials, which subsequently electrified the canopy and caused the fatal shock.
The body has since been deposited at the Sacred Heart Hospital Morgue pending further investigations.
Mr. Wonder Gatepe, the Assembly Member for the Shell/Tobacco Electoral Area, described the deceased as a hard worker and paid tribute to his contribution to sanitation efforts in the municipality.
“On behalf of the leadership of Shell Tobacco Block Electoral Area and the Sanitation Committee of the Municipality, we sympathise with the bereaved family. He did his best for Akatsi so far as sanitation issues are concerned in the Municipality,” he said.
“We are together with the family and will be in touch with them in due time.”
The deceased, who has left behind four children, was known in the community for his helpfulness and active participation in social events.
Family members are yet to comment on the incident as investigations continue.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: Agbaxode Emmanuel
Email: emmanuel.agbaxode.gna.org.gh