7-year-old drowns in floods at Abrepo Bronikrom

Residents lead a desperate search as rescue officials remain missing.

A 7-year-old boy has drowned in floods at Abrepo Bronikrom in the Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti Region, leaving the community in shock and grief. The tragic incident happened on Saturday, September 27, 2025, during a heavy downpour.

According to eyewitnesses, the floods swept the boy away after he attempted to retrieve a slipper from a nearby drain while playing with two friends. The strong currents overpowered him and carried him off before anyone could intervene.

Community members quickly mobilised to rescue the child, but their efforts were unsuccessful. By Sunday morning, residents had mounted a desperate search, combing through flood pathways and drains, yet the boy remained missing.

One resident, Kojo Mensah, described the mood in the town as fearful and sorrowful. “We have been to the site several times. Even a fetish priest was called, and rituals were performed, but we still haven’t found him. Everyone is disturbed because this has never happened here before,” he said.

As of Sunday evening, there had been no official deployment of police or emergency rescue teams. Residents say they have been left alone to continue the search.

Few days ago, a 60-year-old National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) staff member drowned in a river at Abira in the Ashanti Region, leaving residents in shock.

Community members confirmed that the NADMO staff, identified as Kwame Obeng, drowned in River Abena Feam at Abira, an incident reported early Wednesday. The tragedy has thrown the Ashanti Region community into mourning as police begin investigations.

Eyewitnesses said the body of the NADMO worker was discovered in the Abira river, though the circumstances of the drowning remain uncertain. According to the Abira Chief Linguist, Nana Adu Adjei, the deceased had been battling a stroke prior to the incident.

The chief explained that Mr. Obeng was last seen the previous day. “He told his wife he was going to Krobo, a nearby community, but unfortunately, he did not return home,” Nana Adu Adjei recounted.

The late NADMO officer, who once served as Assembly Member for Abira, was married and left behind one daughter. His death has raised concerns about safety around the river, particularly since this is the second body discovered in River Abena Feam in recent times.

Nana Adu Adjei urged residents, especially the youth, to respect traditional customs that forbid visits to the river on Tuesdays, which locals consider sacred. He warned that ignoring these practices could have dire consequences.