George Agyei Frempong, the Assemblyman for the Oguaa electoral area in New Juaben South, Eastern Region, died tragically on Saturday after being electrocuted while trying to repair a streetlight in his community. Frempong, in his late thirties and a carpenter by trade, was working on an electricity pole when he suffered a fatal electric shock, causing him to fall. Despite efforts by local residents to rush him to the Eastern Regional Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Frempong was widely known and respected for his dedication to his constituents, even though he was not professionally trained in electrical work. Elected in the most recent district assembly elections, his death has shocked the community, underscoring both the hazards faced by public servants in under-resourced areas and the commitment shown by Frempong in his role.
This incident draws poignant parallels to a similar tragedy last December involving Manasseh Addison Sackey, known as Teacher Obour. The 34-year-old headteacher and assemblyman for the Teberebie electoral area drowned while campaigning for re-election, as his canoe capsized in a river lacking adequate safety equipment. Despite his tragic death, Teacher Obour was posthumously re-elected, winning by just three votes, a testament to the community’s high regard for his contributions to education and public service.
Both incidents highlight the sacrifices made by local leaders to serve their communities, even at great personal risk.