E/R Update: 13-Year-Old Student Brutally Murdered at Osiem Laid to Rest; Community Grieves as Investigation Continues

A tragic incident has plunged the community of Akyem Osiem-Kyekyewere in the Abuakwa North Municipality of the Eastern Region into deep mourning, following the gruesome murder of a 13-year-old student, Richmond K. Antony, popularly known as “Paa.”

The heartbreaking incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, June 11, 2025, when Richmond, a Form One student of Akyem Osiem SDA Junior High School, was reportedly attacked and butchered in front of an uncompleted building near his home by an unknown assailant.

According to the victim’s father, Richmond had stepped out around 7:00 p.m. to buy food but returned moments later with deep cutlass wounds, crying for help. He was rushed to Hawa Memorial Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead on arrival.

Following a report to the Akyem New Tafo Police Command, a man known by the nickname “Holy,” who owns the uncompleted building where the attack took place, was arrested and is currently assisting police with investigations. Residents allege that the suspect had previously issued threats, warning that anyone caught loitering on his property at night — due to suspected crop theft — would be “butchered,” a threat many now believe may be tied to Richmond’s death.

Richmond was laid to rest on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in his hometown of Akyem Osiem, in a ceremony marked by sorrow and heartbreak. The funeral drew large crowds, including classmates, teachers, family, and residents, all clad in black and red mourning attire. The emotional atmosphere was overwhelming, with many in tears as they paid their final respects to the young boy whose life was tragically cut short.

Speaking in an interview, some of Richmond’s teachers described him as a well-behaved, respectful, and promising student who showed great potential.

“He was a good boy — quiet, focused, and respectful. His death is a great loss to us all,” one teacher shared tearfully.

The Eastern Regional Police Command has assured the public of a thorough and unbiased investigation. They are urging the community to remain calm as the facts of the case are uncovered. Meanwhile, residents continue to call for justice, hoping the circumstances surrounding Richmond’s untimely death will be fully resolved.

The death of Richmond K. Antony has not only left a family devastated but also awakened the larger community to the need for better safety measures for children and stronger enforcement against threats of violence.