An investigation has been launched by the Western Central Regional Police Command into the deaths of a woman and her three children, who drowned in an abandoned galamsey pit near Wassa Dunkwa over the weekend.
The incident, which has shocked the Kwansin Baako community, occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The police have identified the victims as Mary Arthur, 43, and her children: Kwame Asabre, 13, and 11-year-old twins Aqya Atta and Eric Mensah.
According to a police report, the investigation began after a formal complaint was filed by Kwadwo Ayew on the day of the incident.
Mr. Ayew informed the Asankrangwa police that he had received news of his relatives’ deaths. He reported that the family had been on a routine trip to fetch firewood at a nearby cocoa farm when the tragedy unfolded.
Preliminary findings from the police investigation indicate that the three boys had entered the water-filled pit to swim.
Witnesses, including the victims’ nephew, Bright Mensah, recounted that after the children got into difficulty, he ran to alert their mother. Mary Arthur rushed to the scene in a frantic rescue attempt, but she too was submerged and drowned.
Following the recovery of the bodies, police have conveyed them to the Catholic Hospital Mortuary in Asankrangwa. An autopsy has been ordered as part of the ongoing investigation to confirm the exact cause of death.
In a statement released to the public, the Regional Police Command has used the tragic event to issue a strong warning.
“The Regional police command urges parents and guardians to closely supervise children and caution them against swimming in abandoned pits, rivers, and other unsafe water bodies,” the statement read.
Police have assured the public that further updates regarding the investigation will be provided in due course.
Woman dies with 3 children after attempting to rescue them from drowning in abandoned galamsey pit
