NDC’s Pearl Ankrah house set ablaze

The Ghana Police Service has begun investigations into what appears to be an arson attack on the official residence of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Afigya Kwabre South, Pearl Ankrah. The late-night fire incident, which happened over the weekend, destroyed parts of the property and has raised concerns about rising political tensions in the area.

The fire broke out on Saturday, June 21, at a time when there’s already unrest brewing in the municipality. Tensions have been simmering ever since President John Mahama nominated Ankrah for the MCE role—a move that hasn’t gone down well with some grassroots members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

A video that has been circulating on social media shows flames tearing through parts of the MCE’s residence. Firefighters managed to respond quickly, but despite their efforts, the fire had already caused significant damage. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.

Security sources say preliminary investigations point to arson, and at least two individuals are currently in police custody in connection with the case.

Although Pearl Ankrah was not at the house when the fire started, a close associate said she is “shaken but unharmed” by the incident. So far, she has not made any public comments.

Her appointment as MCE has not been without controversy. Some members of the constituency have accused her of being disconnected from the NDC’s grassroots supporters. Just two months ago, a group of angry party members held a protest, threatening to disrupt assembly operations if her nomination was approved.

This recent attack has only added to the growing political tension in the Ashanti Region, where unrest has occasionally flared up since the NDC returned to power.