The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed the tragic drowning of 14-year-old Matthew Mahama at Fiapre Catholic Junction along the Sunyani Ring Road in the Bono Region on Thursday, February 5.
According to a statement shared on the Service’s Facebook page, the incident occurred at about 8:51 a.m. when Matthew went swimming with friends in a river at Fiapre.
After receiving a distress call, a rescue team from the Sunyani Municipal Fire Station, led by STNO II Clement Takyi, was quickly dispatched to the scene.
Fire personnel conducted a search and later retrieved the lifeless body of the boy.
The Ghana Police Service was subsequently informed and took custody of the body for preservation and further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The GNFS expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and used the opportunity to caution the public to exercise extreme care around rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.
“The Ghana National Fire Service remains committed to public education on drowning prevention and to responding swiftly and professionally to emergencies to save lives,” the statement read.
