A 50-year-old farmer has tragically drowned in the River Fum in the Assin North District of the Central Region while reportedly on his way to seek a loan to pay his child’s school fees.
The deceased, identified as Kwaku Agyei, a native of Akyem Oda, was said to be heading to his cocoa farm at Sowodadiem near Assin Dansame around 4:30 a.m. when the incident occurred.
According to the Assembly Member for the area, Mark Nti Ballack, Agyei was on his way to meet a purchasing clerk to request financial assistance to buy school supplies for his child, who had recently gained admission into Senior High School.
The River Fum is commonly crossed using a canoe. However, due to its limited capacity, passengers are usually ferried in turns.
Impatient to wait for his turn, the farmer decided to swim across the river but sadly drowned before reaching the other side.
A search party made up of local divers and community elders was quickly organized to recover the body.
After traditional rites were performed, the search began but had to be suspended at nightfall and later resumed the following morning.
The body was eventually found and reported to the police.
Confirming the incident, the Assin North District Police Commander, Superintendent Eric Yao Avudzivi, said a preliminary examination of the body showed no signs of foul play.
The body has since been deposited at the St Francis Xavier Hospital morgue for further examination and necessary procedures.
