By: Daniel Bampoe
A family in Bosomtwe Lower, a farming community in the Fanteakwa North District of the Eastern Region, is crying out for justice months after their mother was brutally murdered under mysterious circumstances.
The victim, Deaconess Comfort Maku Ghartey, was reportedly shot and killed in her cassava farm on July 13, 2025 — yet the suspected killer remains at large, with the police making little visible progress in the case.
According to the grieving family, the deceased was a devoted mother and a member of the local church. On that fateful Sunday afternoon, around 2:20 p.m., she left home after church service to uproot cassava from her farm to prepare supper for her household. Before leaving, she informed her aged mother, who remained at home due to a knee problem, and placed food on fire for her to monitor while she was away.
However, when she failed to return after several hours, her mother became alarmed and called out for her. Receiving no response, the elderly woman sought help from some young men in the neighborhood to check on her daughter. One of the boys who went to the farm did not find her there and assumed she had taken another route back home. But when he returned and was told she had not arrived, the family grew worried.
Her husband, who had attended a church service in a nearby town, arrived home around the same time and immediately joined the search. To his horror, they discovered his wife lying lifeless on the ground with blood oozing from her mouth and visible injuries to her head and neck. Shocked and trembling, he attempted to photograph the scene but was unable to — claiming the images appeared blurred each time he tried.
The family reported the case to the Dadematse (village head) and other elders, who mobilized men and women to convey the body home around 6:00 p.m. They subsequently informed other relatives, though conflicting reports about the cause of death began circulating. While some were told she had been unwell, others were informed she had collapsed on the farm without any sign of violence. It was only later that one of the in-laws disclosed that the deceased had suffered gunshot wounds.
When police from a nearby outpost were called to the scene, they reportedly admitted lacking logistics to conduct a full investigation and directed the family to report the case to the Begoro District Police Headquarters. The body was later deposited at the Begoro District Hospital morgue for autopsy.
Fearing high costs, the family initially requested to bury the deceased, but the police required a formal court waiver to avoid suspicion of foul play. After signing the necessary documents, the family buried the victim in September following an autopsy that confirmed she died from a close-range gunshot.
Suspect Named but Still Free
The family’s private inquiries pointed to a man identified as Yirenkye Patrick, also known as “Dada”, a chainsaw operator believed to be a Togolese national who had lived in the village for about five years. Dada is said to be the boyfriend of the Dadematse’s granddaughter, with whom he had three children — two of whom reportedly died.
Eyewitnesses in the community allegedly confided in the family that the suspect had admitted to the killing and fled immediately after the incident. According to them, he first informed the Dadematse and his close friend, who advised him to escape for fear of reprisals from the victim’s relatives.
However, when the family relayed this information to the police, the witnesses who had initially spoken out later denied their statements, reportedly out of fear for their lives. Community members alleged that the Dadematse had warned residents to remain silent, claiming that any public discussion of the matter could bring police or military raids to the area.
The family said intimidation followed soon after. The Dadematse’s eldest son allegedly confronted villagers believed to be cooperating with the bereaved family, warning them to keep quiet. Even an alcohol seller who had reportedly sold liquor to the suspect and his friend shortly before the murder stopped speaking after a visit from the Dadematse’s children.
Though the Dadematse was later arrested following a complaint to the District Commander, he was released on bail the same day. The suspect’s best friend, who allegedly knew of his whereabouts, fled before police could reach him — and despite promises, officers have not rearrested him.
Family Frustrated by Police Inaction
Months after the incident, the family says they feel abandoned by the authorities. “We have been left to our fate looking for this criminal on our own,” the victim’s daughter lamented in a written statement. “The police claim they are working behind the scenes, but we doubt this because we have not seen any public notice or wanted poster about the suspect — nothing on TV, radio, or social media.”
The family is now appealing for the same level of urgency and publicity given to other murder cases. They are urging the Ghana Police Service to declare Yirenkye Patrick alias “Dada” a wanted man nationwide and to offer a reward for credible information leading to his arrest.
Suspect Description
The wanted suspect, Yirenkye Patrick alias “Dada”, is a chainsaw operator from Togo. He speaks Ewe, Krobo, and Twi, and is believed to be hiding in or around the Fanteakwa District. Communities to watch include Miasu, Ahumaso, Dedesu, Upper Bosomtwe, Amekom, Afram Plains, Mame Krobo, Koforidua, and Begoro. He is reportedly traveling by motor vehicle.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station or call 0243634324.
