A tragic case of domestic violence has unfolded in Axim, Western Region, where a man identified as Joseph Richard allegedly set fire to his girlfriend’s room, leaving her two children with severe burns.
The incident occurred at around 3 a.m. on Thursday, 13 February 2025, while the children were asleep.
The victims, 16-year-old Joseph Ben and 3-year-old Richlove Asiedua Yeboah, are currently fighting for their lives at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
According to reports, Richard carried out the attack after his girlfriend, Betty Herman, ended their relationship.
Eyewitnesses claim he deliberately set the room ablaze with the intent to harm the children.
However, their lives were saved thanks to the swift response of neighbours, who alerted firefighters and the police.
Following the incident, Richard fled the scene, but authorities later discovered his clothes and a gallon suspected to have contained fuel nearby.
Residents have since called on the police to intensify efforts to apprehend Richard and ensure he faces justice for his actions.