A devastating thunderstorm has plunged the town of Sefwi Awaso in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region into mourning, after a lightning strike claimed the lives of four children and injured another on Monday evening, June 2, 2025.
The tragic incident occurred at the Awaso GBC Compound, where the children were reportedly playing during a heavy downpour. According to distraught family members, the unsuspecting children had sought temporary shelter in the area when a sudden, high-intensity bolt of lightning struck, bringing an abrupt end to their innocent gathering.
Witnesses and Community Reaction
Parents and nearby residents reported hearing a loud, explosive sound, followed by cries for help. It was only after rushing to the scene that they were met with the horrifying reality — four children lifeless and one in critical condition.
The community has since been gripped with grief and disbelief. Many described the incident as the worst weather-related tragedy to hit the area in recent memory.
“We heard a terrifying thunderclap and then moments later learned that our children had been struck. It’s beyond heartbreaking,” one parent tearfully recounted.
Local Authorities Respond
Kennedy Ayitey Wisdom, Assemblyman for the Awaso Electoral Area, visited the bereaved families to offer condolences and moral support. He called for enhanced vigilance during the rainy season and warned of the dangers of exposing children to open areas during thunderstorms.
“This is a deeply painful moment for the entire Awaso community. I urge all parents and guardians to take extra precautions during rains. Thunderstorms are not to be taken lightly,” he stated.
Mr. Wisdom also used the opportunity to educate residents on thunderstorm safety, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors, avoiding tall trees and metal structures, and keeping away from water bodies during such weather events.
Calls for Government Support and Public Education
In the wake of the tragedy, residents are appealing to government agencies and disaster response authorities for immediate support, including psychological counseling for affected families and financial assistance for funeral arrangements.
Community leaders are also calling for a nationwide public awareness campaign on lightning and thunderstorm safety — particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where outdoor play during rain is common among children.
The only surviving child from the incident is said to be receiving medical treatment at a local health facility, with sources indicating the child is in stable condition.
Safety Reminder
Experts advise the public to take the following precautions during thunderstorms:
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Stay indoors and avoid open fields.
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Keep away from trees, electrical poles, and metal structures.
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Disconnect electrical appliances.
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Avoid contact with water or plumbing during lightning storms.
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Educate children on the dangers of playing outside during bad weather.
This tragic loss underscores the urgent need for increased public education, early warning systems, and community-level safety protocols to prevent similar disasters in the future.
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