A/R: Seven drowned at Ahenema-Kokoben after heavy downpour

Seven people have drowned following the heavy downpour at Ahenema-Kokoben in the Atwima -Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region on Monday, September 28, 2021.

Kumasi and its neighbouring districts have been witnessing heavy rains for the last couple of days as many parts of the metropolis were flooded after the torrential rains which lasted for over four hours.

According to unconfirmed reports, seven persons onboard different vehicles allegedly fell into the Aboabo stream at the Ahenema- Kokoben which was overflooded after about two hours of a heavy downpour.

The missing persons, according to eyewitnesses were said to have drowned after they attempted to escape from their respective cars which were been swept away by the river.

Speaking to this reporter, some eyewitnesses said although they saw the victims struggling in the river, they could not rescue them due to the strong current of the running water.

“We saw them being swept away helplessly, however, nothing could be done about the situation,” Kwadwo Busumuru, a resident of Ahenema Kokoben stated.

He added that the exact number of people swept away by the river is unknown to them, adding that there could be more missing.

Residents in the area blamed the disaster on structures on waterways which has forced the river from its original route.

They appealed to security agencies to as a matter of urgency dispatch a search to the area to find the missing persons.

Parts of the Ashanti Region are currently flooded, following two days of heavy rains.

Several properties have been destroyed, while officials of the NADMO work around to assist those affected.