The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has renewed calls for improved river safety measures and an end to illegal sand winning activities following two drowning incidents in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region.
The incidents occurred after heavy rains affected parts of the district, leading to the loss of two lives in separate river-related accidents.
One victim, a 45-year-old man who had been missing for three days in Morkwa, was found dead in the Pra River on June 8 after an extensive search.
Search efforts are, however, still underway for Alfred Kumi, a recent Junior High School graduate from Gomoa Ohua in the Gomoa West District, who reportedly disappeared while bathing in the Osen River at Twifo Edugyaa.
Alfred had travelled to visit his father in the community after completing his Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), seeking financial support to continue his education.
Confirming the incidents, Twifo Atti-Morkwa District NADMO Director James Pra expressed concern over the recurring dangers associated with river activities in the area, particularly during the rainy season.
He blamed some of the risks on illegal sand winning along riverbanks, arguing that the practice creates hazardous conditions that endanger residents and increase the likelihood of drowning incidents.
Mr. Pra urged community members to avoid unsafe activities around rivers and appealed for greater public awareness to help prevent further tragedies.
He also called on regional and national NADMO authorities to provide life jackets and other rescue equipment to strengthen emergency response efforts and improve the capacity of local teams to handle water-related emergencies.
The incidents have renewed concerns about safety around rivers and water bodies in flood-prone communities as the rainy season intensifies across parts of the country.
