The Ghanaian community in the U.S. transitioned into the 2018 on a rather sad note. The community was hit by the saddest tragedy since its migration to America from time immemorial.

The fire tragedy that claimed six lives from three migrant families had occurred on December 28th, 2017 in the Bronx borough in New York City.

Thus, the Ghanaian community in the U.S. had the Yuletide truncated with sorrowful moments!

A candlelight vigil was held for the fire victims on January 13th, 2018 under the auspices of the Ghanaian diplomatic corps, led by Consul General to New York, Prof. Samuel K. Amoako, and the Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah.

The vigil was followed by a funeral for the two siblings who perished through the fire, Justice Twumasi Opoku and Gabriel Sarkodie on January 20th, 2018 organized by their only surviving brother, SFC Evans Twumasi. The two events were well attended by Ghanaians and other nationals in the U.S., who were touched by the sad tragedy.

It was indeed a spectacle of grief as people from all walks of life and nationalities, including members of the Ghanaian diplomatic corps, pastors, and imams gathered at a Bronx funeral home to pay their last respects to the departed.

The late Justice Twumasi Opoku and Gabriel Sarkodie were survived by six children altogether, a brother, SFC Evans, and sister, Osofomaame Joyce.