Sunday, March 9, 2025
By Isaac Nsiah Foster
Residents of Tano Odumase in the Agona District of the Ashanti Region are pointing fingers at the nephew of a 60-year-old farmer, Opanin Kwabena Bonsu, who died from poisoning on March 7, 2025.
The nephew, whose name has been withheld, is alleged to have laced fish with a toxic substance in an attempt to kill Bonsu and his wife gradually.
Tragic Death Shocks Community
The town was left in shock following the sudden death of Opanin Kwabena Bonsu, who unknowingly consumed poisoned fish at home alongside his 55-year-old wife, Madam Aba Bekoe, and one of their ten children, Kofi Boamah. Later that day, while working on his farm, Bonsu also drank from his usual water gallon, which was allegedly tainted with poison.
According to family members, the farmer had left for his farm as usual on March 6, 2025, just a day after a heated misunderstanding with his nephew. While working, he felt thirsty and took a drink from his water container. Moments later, he experienced severe discomfort and struggled to make his way home, crying out for help.
Eyewitnesses rushed to his aid and transported him to Kona Hospital, where he received first aid before being referred to Agona Government Hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
“They took him to Kona Hospital for first aid, but his condition worsened, so they rushed him to Agona Government Hospital. Unfortunately, he didn’t survive,” recounted Auntie Akua, a relative of the deceased.
Family and Community Suspect Foul Play
Family members firmly believe Opanin Kwabena Bonsu was poisoned, suspecting that someone deliberately contaminated his drinking water.
“We suspect someone who harbored ill intentions against him might have poisoned the water in his absence,” said Madam Leticia Sarfo, his elder sister.
Some residents echo these suspicions. While some believe he may have been embroiled in a dispute, others fear it was a calculated act.
“He was a humble and peaceful man with no known enemies. If this was intentional, then someone must have wanted him dead for a reason we don’t know,” a resident remarked.
Autopsy Confirms Poisoning
A post-mortem examination conducted at Agona Government Hospital confirmed that Bonsu died from consuming poisoned water. Despite the findings, the family has yet to formally report the matter to the police.
“We are waiting for the right time to take the matter to the authorities,” a family member stated.
Meanwhile, Madam Aba Bekoe remains hospitalized at Agona Government Hospital’s emergency unit, where doctors have confirmed traces of poison in her blood. Their son, Kofi Boamah, is also reportedly experiencing severe stomach discomfort and frequent visits to the washroom.
Residents Demand Investigation
Fear and uncertainty grip the Tano Odumase community as residents call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bonsu’s tragic death. Many are demanding justice and urging authorities to intervene before another life is lost.