A fire, which, occurred under unclear circumstances and destroyed over 1,400 tubers of yam and more than 5,000 yam sets has left a 35-year-old farmer at Kpandai in the Northern Region emotionally and financially shattered.
The farmer, Sampson Nakuwu, and his family of seven are reeling from the devastation of losing their entire harvested yam farm to a fire in Ocherepe, a community in the Kpandai District of the Northern Region.
Sampson Nakuwu has therefore appealed for public support to be able to get his life and that of his family back together and also be able to plant in the next season.
Speaking to Graphic Online’s Simon Unyan about the incident, which happened just before New Year’s Day, Sampson Nakuwu recounted the traumatic incident, describing it as both unexpected and life-altering.
“This is unfortunate; I was somewhere harvesting yam, and before I could realize it, the whole shed was on fire,” he said.
“Two children who were inside the shed were rescued after I broke through the flames, but I don’t know what caused the fire.”
The destruction has placed Sampson Nakuwu in a dire situation, unable to repay the loan he took to finance his farming venture.
“I harvested about 1,400 tubers of yam and 5,000 yam sets, which I planned to use for farming this year. Everything has been destroyed,” he said.
Mr Nakuwu, who invested approximately GH¢7,000 in his farm, described the incident as a major setback for his family.
“This Christmas and New Year were supposed to bring joy, but instead, they brought misery. I’m left wondering how to provide for my wife, children, and parents,” he said.
Despite the tragedy, Mr Nakuwu remains hopeful and urged young people to continue pursuing farming, emphasising its potential rewards.
However, he appealed for urgent assistance to help him rebuild his farm and support his family.
“This situation is very serious. Without help, I don’t know how to start life in 2025. I’m appealing to individuals, organisations, and the government to come to my aid so I can return to farming and provide for my family,” he pleaded.
The incident sheds light on the vulnerabilities farmers face in the wake of disasters, underscoring the need for stronger support systems and safety measures to protect their investments and livelihoods.
