Six-year-old boy drowns in abandoned well in Koforidua Zongo

A six-year-old boy tragically drowned after falling into an abandoned and uncovered well in the Zongo community of Koforidua in the New Juaben South Municipality.

The heartbreaking incident occurred on the evening of Monday, October 6, leaving residents in deep sorrow and anger.

According to eyewitnesses, the young boy had been reported missing earlier in the day, prompting frantic efforts by family members and neighbours to search for him. The search ended in despair when his slippers were found near an old, unused well, with a football believed to belong to him floating in the water.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) was immediately alerted and arrived at the scene around 8:00 p.m. Fire officers managed to retrieve the child from the well but could not determine his condition. Because GNFS personnel are not authorised to pronounce deaths, the boy was quickly transported to the Koforidua Government Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.

A GNFS spokesperson described the incident as deeply unfortunate and preventable. “We continue to urge the public to cover abandoned wells and ensure active ones are securely closed. These simple actions can save lives,” the officer stated.

The deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites. Residents, however, expressed outrage over the neglect of safety measures in the community, blaming local authorities for failing to identify and seal hazardous sites.

“This tragedy could have been avoided,” one resident lamented. “There are several open wells around, and no one seems to care until something terrible happens.”

The heartbreaking incident has sparked fresh calls for the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly to conduct a safety audit and cover all abandoned wells in residential areas.

Meanwhile, a 7-year-old boy also 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.