In a heartbreaking incident, a six-year-old girl has tragically lost her life after drowning in an irrigation pond in Sonitra, a suburb of Kpetoe in the Volta Region of Ghana. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed the unfortunate event, which occurred on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The young victim, identified as Sarah Ahiafor, is reported to have accompanied a group of children to the water body, commonly used for irrigation purposes, to wash clothes. According to a press statement issued by the Volta Regional Command of the GNFS on Monday, February 2, 2026, the distress call was received at approximately 1:40 p.m.
Responding promptly to the emergency, personnel from the Kpetoe Fire Station, led by Assistant Station Officer (ASTNO) David Dzakah, conducted a search and rescue operation. Unfortunately, despite their swift efforts to retrieve Sarah from the pond and administer resuscitation measures, they were unable to save her life.
The GNFS reported that the deceased's body was subsequently handed over to the Ghana Police Service at the scene for preservation and further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Preliminary findings suggest that the drowning occurred in the absence of adult supervision. Sarah and other minors had reportedly ventured to the irrigation site without any responsible adult accompanying them. This tragic incident underscores the critical need for heightened vigilance and precautionary measures when children are near open water bodies.
In light of this tragedy, the Ghana National Fire Service has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians, emphasizing the dangers posed by ponds, irrigation sites, and similar areas. The GNFS strongly advises that children should not be allowed to visit or engage in activities around such water bodies without proper adult supervision.
“The GNFS advises parents and guardians to ensure that children do not visit or engage in activities around ponds, irrigation sites, and other open water bodies without adult supervision,” read an excerpt from the official statement.
The GNFS also extended its deepest condolences to Sarah Ahiafor's grieving family during this difficult time. The Service reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and called for collective efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive safety measures around water bodies. The community is urged to prioritize the safety of children by ensuring they are supervised at all times, particularly in potentially hazardous environments.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
