One Missing After Canoe Carrying Farmers Capsizes On River Bobie Fum At Assin Dansame.

A 49-year-old farmer, identified as Isaac Buckman, remains missing nearly 24 hours after a canoe carrying five farmers capsized on River Bobie Fum at Assin Dansame in the Assin North District of the Central Region.

The Assin North District Police Command, led by Superintendent Eric Yao Avudzivi, in collaboration with traditional leaders and residents of Assin Dansame and Assin Praso, launched a search operation on Thursday following the incident.

The incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. when the five passengers, including a woman believed to be in her early 20s, were returning from their farms aboard a canoe commonly used by residents to cross the river.

According to the Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Mark Nti Ballack, the river had swollen following heavy rains, making the crossing extremely dangerous.

He explained that three of the passengers were from Assin Praso while the remaining two were from Assin Dansame.

Reports indicate that midway through the journey, one of the passengers, sensing danger, suddenly jumped into the river, causing the canoe to lose balance and capsize.

All five occupants were thrown into the water.

A rescue team made up of residents and police officers managed to save four of the passengers, while Isaac Buckman remains unaccounted for.

Traditional leaders in the area later poured libation and performed customary rites before divers were engaged to assist in the search for the missing farmer.

The search operation was suspended Thursday evening due to poor visibility but resumed Friday morning after initial efforts proved unsuccessful.

Some of the opinion leaders say the latest incident is the third canoe-related accident recorded on the river in a year, with three persons reportedly losing their lives in previous incidents.

Speaking to Angel News they expressed fear over the continued use of canoes on the river, describing the situation as a daily danger confronting both farmers and schoolchildren.

According to them, schoolchildren risk their lives every day crossing the river to access schools in nearby communities.

They are therefore appealing to government and relevant authorities to urgently construct a bridge over the river to help prevent further tragedies.

Story by: Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack, Rich FM, Assin Fosu.