Tragic Incident at Saltpond Beach Claims Carpenter’s Life

Nana Kofi, a 35-year-old carpenter, lost his life after being washed away by strong waves while swimming with friends at the Saltpond beach in the Central Region. According to witnesses, the deceased did not know how to swim and was unable to overcome the strong waves. In the process of trying to swim, he was swept away.

Despite efforts by hundreds of people to locate and retrieve his body, it was not found until the next day. The case was reported to the Saltpond Police for investigation.

This unfortunate incident has thrown many people who had gathered at the beach for Easter celebrations into a state of shock. It is important to note that drowning incidents have been a recurring problem in Ghana, especially during festive seasons.

In an effort to prevent such tragedies, the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, has advised the youth to exercise caution during Easter celebrations, especially when swimming. She also urged them to avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning deaths in Ghana reached 740, or 0.42% of total deaths, in 2020. The leading cause of injury deaths in the Central Region, where the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital is located, is drowning, according to research conducted by Senior Lecturer of Surgery at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Martin T. Morna.

It is important for Ghanaians to take heed of safety measures when swimming in beaches and other water bodies to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring.