An eight-year-old boy has died after drowning in an abandoned manhole at Blue Rose Estate in Buduburam, located in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region.
The deceased, Elijah Success Kaba, and his 15-year-old cousin, Andrew Jallo, who is now in critical condition, fell into the manhole while drawing water from it.
Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded swiftly to the incident, rescuing both victims and rushing them to St. Gregory Catholic Hospital. Unfortunately, Elijah died while receiving treatment.
Speaking to Citi News on Friday, November 28, Buduburam Fire Station Officer DO II Samuel Derry Moro said:
“We received a call while at the station about two children who had fallen. Within 10 minutes, we were on the scene. We rescued the 15-year-old, but despite our best efforts, we could not save the eight-year-old. We involved town elders to assist with the proper rites before continuing our rescue efforts.”
Some residents have blamed the estate owners, Blue Rose Limited, for the tragedy and are calling on authorities to take immediate action.
One resident said, “We are appealing for this manhole to be relocated to higher ground where water problems won’t occur. At the very least, it should be filled for now to prevent further accidents and save the lives of children in the community.”