The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed the tragic drowning of Matthew Mahama, a 14-year-old boy, at Fiapre Catholic Junction on the Sunyani Ring Road in the Bono Region on Thursday, February 5.

In a post shared on Facebook by the Service, the incident occurred at approximately 08:51 am when the boy went swimming with friends in a river at Fiapre. Following the emergency call, a rescue team from the Sunyani Municipal Fire Station, led by STNO II Clement Takyi, was promptly dispatched to the scene.

The GNFS team conducted a thorough search and successfully retrieved the lifeless body of the young boy.

The Ghana Police Service was immediately notified and took custody of the body for preservation and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

In the statement, the GNFS extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to exercise extreme caution 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.