A fourteen-year-old boy, identified as Michael, tragically lost his life after drowning in the Volta River at Mafi Adidome Torkor in the Central Tongu District.
Michael, who reportedly lived with his great-grandmother in Adidome and was known for his passion for football, reportedly visited the riverside around 0930 hours on Sunday to swim after a routine training session with friends.
He was said to have encountered difficulties while in the water, leading to the unfortunate incident.
Initial rescue efforts by community divers were unsuccessful, but through a coordinated effort involving experienced divers from neighbouring communities, including some oyster extractors from Ada, the body was retrieved on the early hours of Monday.
The Adidome Police promptly responded to the incident upon receiving the report, working cordially with residents and divers despite logistical challenges.
Michael’s body has since been deposited at the Adidome Government Hospital morgue for examination, while the family continues to cooperate with the authorities as arrangements for burial progress.
Mr Guggisberg Fiagbenu, Assembly Member of the Adidome Central Electoral Area, expressed profound sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
He underscored the need for strengthened community safety measures along the Volta River, especially for children and young people.
He said he would collaborate with the Central Tongu District Assembly to initiate appropriate regulations to promote responsible and protected swimming, noting that certain activities along the riverbank, including sand-winning, have affected safety conditions.
He suggested the development of a designated community swimming area to help reduce risks and also urged the government to swiftly respond to the logistical needs of the police in Adidome.
“Our security personnel are in dire need of a good vehicle for their day-to-day operations. I urge government, through the Member of Parliament and the Regional Minister to foster measures to getting them one.”
Mr Fiagbenu commended the divers, community members and Dela Radio for their prompt support throughout the search and retrieval process.
He appealed to parents and guardians to continue engaging their children on water safety, and called for enhanced support for ECOZOIL to reinforce its role in maintaining clean and safe riverbanks.
“For some months now, ECOZOIL members have not been paid. This caused them to neglect work. I thus call on government to respond to their plight so that they can continue their work effectively along the Volta lake.”
GNA
