By: Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack
A middle-aged farmer, believed to be in his 50s, has tragically drowned in River Fum in the Assin North District of the Central Region while on his way to secure a loan to buy school supplies for his child.
The incident occurred yesterday around 4:30 a.m.
The deceased, identified as Kwaku Agyei and originally from Akyem Oda, reportedly drowned while attempting to cross the river to Sowodadiem near Assin Dansame, where he owns a cocoa farm.
According to eyewitnesses, the late Mr. Agyei was on his way to request financial assistance from a purchasing clerk to buy items to support his child, who recently gained admission into a Senior High School (SHS).
The River Fum is typically crossed using a canoe. However, due to the canoe’s limited capacity, the operator was transporting passengers in batches. Impatient to wait for his turn, the farmer attempted to swim across but sadly drowned before reaching the other side.
A search party, including local divers, was immediately organized by community elders. After traditional rituals were performed, the search began but was suspended at nightfall.
It resumed the following morning, and the body was eventually recovered and same was reported to the police.
Assembly Member for the area, Mark Nti Ballack, also confirmed the report, although he was not around at the time of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Assin North District Police Commander, Superintendent Eric Yao Avudzivi, confirmed only the drowning incident and noted that a preliminary examination of the body revealed no signs of foul play.
The body has since been deposited at the St. Francis Xavier Hospital morgue for preservation and necessary action.
