Desperate Father Drowns in Assin North River While Seeking Help to Fund Child’s Schooling

A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the Assin North District of the Central Region, where a middle-aged farmer, identified as Kwaku Agyei, has drowned in the River Fum while attempting to seek financial help to pay for his child’s school expenses.

The incident, which occurred around 4:30 a.m., has left the farming community of Sowodadiem near Assin Dansame in deep shock and sorrow.

According to reports, Mr. Agyei, believed to be in his early 50s and originally from Akyem Oda, was on his way to Sowodadiem to meet a cocoa purchasing clerk from whom he intended to request a loan to buy school supplies for his child, who had recently gained admission into Senior High School.

The Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Mark Nti Ballack, confirmed the incident and explained that the farmer, in his haste to reach the other side of the river, decided to swim across instead of waiting for the canoe ferry.

“The River Fum is crossed mainly by canoe. But due to its small size, passengers are usually transported in batches. Unfortunately, Mr. Agyei became impatient and chose to swim across. Sadly, he drowned midway and never made it,” Hon. Ballack recounted with sadness.

Eyewitnesses and community members quickly organized a search team, including local divers, to retrieve the body. Traditional rites were performed before the search began, but efforts were suspended after nightfall due to poor visibility. The search resumed the following morning, leading to the recovery of the farmer’s lifeless body.

The Assin North District Police Commander, Superintendent Eric Yao Avudzivi, confirmed the incident, stating that a preliminary examination found no signs of foul play.

“The body has been deposited at the St. Francis Xavier Hospital morgue for further examination and necessary autopsy procedures,” Superintendent Avudzivi disclosed.

Meanwhile, the tragic incident has left many residents deeply saddened, with some calling for the provision of a permanent bridge over the River Fum to prevent future loss of lives.

Community elders have also appealed to the District Assembly and other relevant authorities to intervene and improve safety measures along the river, as it serves as a major crossing point for farmers in the area.

Mr. Agyei’s death, described by many as a heartbreaking act of a father’s love and sacrifice, has become a painful reminder of the economic struggles rural parents face in their efforts to secure a better future for their children through education.