What began as a season of rain has turned into a nightmare for thousands of residents in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region.
As floodwaters continue to engulf communities, families are counting their losses, schools have been shut down, and a desperate search is underway for a young man who disappeared beneath the raging waters.
The devastating floods, triggered by days of continuous rainfall, have already displaced more than 4,000 residents across the municipality. Entire communities have been submerged, forcing families to abandon their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.
But beyond the destruction of property lies an even deeper tragedy, the loss of human lives.
The Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Karim Ndego, has confirmed that three people were swept away by floodwaters in separate incidents.
One of them, 52-year-old Joseph Dwamena Boateng, never made it home.
According to NADMO, Mr. Boateng was returning from a nearby village when he attempted to cross the swollen Boinso River. The powerful current swept him away before help could reach him. His lifeless body was later recovered and deposited at the morgue while police investigations continue.
While one family mourns, another clings to hope. At Achimfo, two friends returning from illegal mining activities found themselves trapped by a river that had burst its banks following the heavy rains.
Realising the danger, they spent the night in the nearby community of Tiboahkrom, hoping the waters would recede by morning. But dawn brought a deadly decision.
Believing they could make it across, the two men attempted to cross the flooded river. Within moments, they were overwhelmed by the strong current and swept downstream.
One of them, Patrick Amoabeng, survived.
His friend, popularly known as G-Boy, was not as fortunate. “I was lucky to escape,” Amoabeng recounted. “I managed to call for help. Community members searched for my friend, but they could not find him. Up till now, he is still missing.”
As rescue teams battle against time and nature, hopes of finding G-Boy continue to dwindle.
Mr. Ndego says the search operation is being hampered by a lack of equipment and the sheer force of the floodwaters.
“The river is very large, and the rescue operation requires equipment that we currently do not have. We are working closely with the security agencies and other stakeholders to locate the missing person,” he explained.
The Enchi Municipal Fire Commander, ADO III Emmanuel Kwaku Yeboah, says rescue personnel remain on high alert and are intensifying efforts to find the missing victim.
He has also issued a strong warning to residents to avoid crossing flooded rivers and streams, regardless of the circumstances.
“We urge residents to prioritise their safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks. People should also inform relatives of their movements whenever they travel so assistance can be provided quickly in emergencies,” he advised.
For many families in Aowin, the floods have become more than a natural disaster. They are now a story of grief, survival, and uncertainty.
