On the bustling shores of Sakumono Beach, near Tema, a quiet hero has emerged, embodying courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to saving lives.

Known to many as One Gad but privately as Ekow Gyan, this 27-year-old has become a lifeline for those who find themselves at the mercy of the unforgiving sea.

A daring rescue

On Sunday, November 17, 2024, as sun-seekers revelled in the warmth and tranquillity of Sakumono Beach, an unsettling cry for help pierced the air.

A man had swum too far from shore and was struggling to stay afloat. The crowd watched in despair as he flailed helplessly, his desperate gestures becoming weaker with each passing second.

Many onlookers assumed the worst. The man’s position in the water seemed irretrievable, and hopes dimmed as he disappeared beneath the waves.

But then, amidst the rising tension, a figure leapt into action. It was One Gad. Without a life jacket, he dived into the churning waters, determined to bring the drowning man back to safety.

The crowd watched with bated breath as both men disappeared beneath the surface. For agonising moments, there was no sign of either.

Then, like a scene from a miracle, One Gad re-emerged, his arm firmly around the unconscious man. Cheers erupted as he fought against the waves, inching closer to shore.

When he finally reached land, One Gad carried the unresponsive man to a waiting car for transport to the hospital.

The crowd’s applause was deafening, and chants of "hero" echoed across the beach.

This fortunate man, believed to be around 35 years old, owes his life to One Gad, who revealed later that he has rescued over 15 people from drowning over the years.

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The man behind the hero

Born in Winneba in Ghana's Central Region, Ekow Gyan says he learned to swim by the age of 10, a skill nurtured by his upbringing along the coast.

However, tragedy struck when his father passed away just as he completed junior high school, leaving his mother unable to support further education.

At 17, Ekow moved to Tema to live with his brother, taking on the dual burden of fending for himself and supporting his family back in Winneba.

Despite the hardships, he has built a life as a skilled mason and painter, and his work ethic is as admired as his bravery at sea.

When asked what compels him to risk his life for strangers, One Gad modestly shrugged.

On the day of the rescue, a young man had informed him of the drowning victim. Without hesitation, he ran to the scene and dived in. His response is always the same: immediate and selfless.

A true hero's humility

Eyewitnesses at the beach spoke of One Gad’s consistent heroics, recounting how he has saved numerous lives without seeking recognition or reward.

“After every rescue, he either goes back into the water to swim or heads home quietly. He never brags about what he’s done,” shared one of his friends.

Yet, despite his life-saving efforts, One Gad has received little gratitude. Not one of the over 15 individuals he has rescued has returned to thank him. In a particularly disheartening incident, a man he saved promised to repair his broken mobile phone, only to disappear with it entirely.

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One Gad embodies the spirit of selflessness and community, risking his life time and again for others without expecting anything in return. It is high time his heroics are recognised, not just by those who frequent Sakumono Beach but by the nation as a whole.

As Ghana reflects on this extraordinary young man’s bravery, let us remember that everyday heroes walk among us, often unnoticed and unappreciated. Ekow "One Gad" Gyan isn’t just a saviour at sea; he is a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of selfless acts.