A middle-aged farmer, believed to be in his 50s, has tragically drowned in the River Fum in the Assin North District of the Central Region. The incident occurred on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
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 owned a cocoa farm.
According to Mark Nti Ballack, the Assembly Member for the area, he was informed by eyewitnesses that Mr Agyei was on his way to request a loan from a purchasing clerk to buy school supplies for his child, who had recently gained admission to Senior High School (SHS).
The River Fum is typically crossed using a canoe. However, due to the canoe’s limited capacity, the operator was ferrying passengers in batches.
Impatient to wait for his turn, the farmer attempted to swim across the river but tragically drowned before reaching the other side.
A search party, including local divers, was immediately organised by the community elders. After traditional rituals were performed, the search commenced but was suspended at nightfall.
It resumed the following morning, and the body was eventually recovered and reported to the police.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Eric Yao Avudzivi, the Assin North District Police Commander, confirmed the incident, stating that a preliminary examination conducted on the body revealed no signs of foul play.
The body has since been deposited at the St. Francis Xavier Hospital morgue for further examination and necessary action.
