The tranquil Ochi River, typically a scene of serenity nestled between the communities of Assin Ochiso and Amoanda in Ghana, transformed into a stage of tragedy on May 6, 2025. Five children, embarking on what they envisioned as a simple expedition to harvest avocados, found themselves entangled in a desperate struggle for survival against the river’s unforgiving currents. Their innocent quest for the fruit, intended to be sold, ultimately claimed the life of one young hero and left the others grappling with the physical and emotional aftermath of their near-drowning experience. This heart-wrenching incident underscores the critical need for improved infrastructure and safe passage across the river, a plea now amplified by the grieving community and echoed by the bereaved parents.
The children, ranging in age from six to twelve, had chosen the seemingly commonplace mode of transport in their area – a small canoe – to navigate the Ochi River. With a nine-year-old boy accustomed to paddling the river at the helm, the small vessel set off with its precious cargo of youthful anticipation. Unbeknownst to them, this familiar journey was about to take a perilous turn. The weight of the five children proved too much for the young paddler, causing the canoe to lose its stability midstream. Panic erupted as the precarious balance tipped, plunging the children into the churning waters. The youngest, a six-year-old, remained in the canoe, while the other four instinctively struggled towards the nearest riverbank.
Amid the chaos and fear, twelve-year-old Kojo Adu, affectionately known as Joe, emerged as a beacon of courage. With remarkable bravery, he prioritized the safety of his younger companions, including the nine-year-old paddler. Putting their well-being above his own, Joe managed to push three of the children towards the safety of the shore. Exhausted and overwhelmed by the relentless current, Joe’s valiant efforts ultimately came at a tragic cost. He succumbed to the river’s force, his selfless act becoming his last.
The surviving children, traumatized but alive, were rescued by community members who responded rapidly to the unfolding tragedy. They were rushed to the local health facility in Assin Ochiso. While the four children, aged between six and nine, received prompt medical attention and are currently recovering from their ordeal, the arrival of Kojo Adu was met with the grim pronouncement of his death. The celebratory expedition had transformed into a heart-wrenching reminder of the precariousness of life and the perilous conditions faced by these communities.
The news of Joe’s death sent shockwaves through the close-knit communities of Assin Ochiso and Amoanda. His parents, Ama Ninaa and Kwabena Asaane, were plunged into unimaginable grief. Their son’s heroic sacrifice, while a testament to his character, left an unfillable void in their lives. In their sorrow, they voiced a powerful plea to the authorities, urging them to address the long-standing issue of unsafe river crossings. Their call for a footbridge, a safe and reliable alternative to the precarious canoes, resonated deeply with the entire community, now united in their shared loss and determination to prevent future tragedies.
The incident has brought the issue of inadequate infrastructure into sharp focus, particularly the lack of a safe crossing over the Ochi River. Currently, residents of Assin Ochiso rely solely on canoes to reach Amoanda, a perilous journey especially for children. The parents of young Joe, supported by the community, have appealed directly to their local Members of Parliament, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour and Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to prioritize the construction of a footbridge. They believe this vital piece of infrastructure will not only honor Joe’s memory but also provide a much-needed safe passage for all, preventing further loss of life and ensuring the safety of future generations. The incident serves as a tragic wake-up call, highlighting the urgency of addressing infrastructure gaps and prioritizing the safety and well-being of the communities they serve. It remains to be seen whether this tragic event will finally galvanize the necessary action to provide a safe and reliable means of crossing the Ochi River.
