11-year-old boy drowns in Owabi River at Akropong

Tragedy struck the community of Akropong in the Ashanti Region as an 11-year-old boy drowned in the Owabi River after heavy rainfall caused it to overflow its banks. The incident occurred on Monday when the young boy, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed, went to the river to swim with six of his peers. Despite the dangerous conditions created by the recent downpours, the group entered the water, leading to a desperate struggle against the rising current.

According to local reports, the situation turned critical quickly as the water levels surged. While two of the children were successfully rescued from the river by those nearby, the 11-year-old was swept away by the powerful flow. An immediate search operation was launched by residents and volunteers from the community, but their initial efforts to locate the boy on Monday evening proved unsuccessful due to the challenging conditions and the intensity of the river's volume.

The search continued into Tuesday morning, involving both community members and traditional leaders. To assist in the recovery effort, traditional rites were performed at the riverbank, a practice often observed in the region during such search operations. Following these ceremonies, the boy’s body was successfully discovered and recovered from the water. The loss has cast a shadow over the Akropong community, highlighting the severe risks posed by local water bodies during the peak of the rainy season.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Assemblyman for the area, Isaac Kofi Nti, issued a stern warning to parents and guardians regarding the safety of children. He cautioned residents against allowing children to swim in or play near rivers and streams, especially following heavy rains when water levels can rise unpredictably. Local authorities are expected to increase sensitization efforts to prevent similar incidents as the rainy season continues to impact the Ashanti Region.