The big tree on the floor
A big tree at Apewosika near Axim believed to be inhabited by ‘spirits’ fell down suddenly causing extensive damage to several properties and severely injuring a pregnant woman.
The unfortunate incident happened last Thursday evening at about 6pm.
The tree, which was locally called “Nana Bugya” by the residents had been standing in the fishing community for over a century.
“The tree collapsed unexpectedly and fell on two buildings and a store and destroyed some valuable properties”, some eye witnesses indicated.
They revealed that one of the branches of the big tree fell on the leg of a pregnant woman near the store.
According to the eyewitnesses, the incident was very terrifying, as the falling tree caused widespread panic among the residents.
The affected residents have called on the government and relevant agencies to come to their aid since they have lost most of their belongings.
“We have lost a lot. Some homes have gone, and our livelihoods have been affected,” an affected resident said.
“We need help from the government to rebuild our houses,” one of the affected persons indicated.
It was gathered that personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) who rushed to the scene were able to cut the tree into pieces
Meanwhile, DAILY GUIDE has gathered that the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area Kofi Arko Nokoe and the Nzema East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Koa Dickson have since visited the affected persons to sympathise with them.
It was also gathered that the pregnant woman who sustained severe injuries on one of her legs has had the leg amputated at a hospital.
According to local history and oral tradition, the tree was believed to be sacred, with a long-standing taboo against cutting it down.
According to the residents the tree has been there before their great-grandparents were born.
“Everyone fears it. No one dared to cut it because we were told anyone who tries will die,” the residents told journalists.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi