A 49-year-old farmer identified as Isaac Buckman has gone missing after a canoe carrying five passengers capsized on River Bobie Fum at Assin Dansame in the Assin North District of the Central Region.
The accident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Thursday when the five farmers, including a woman believed to be in her early 20s, were returning from their farms across the river. According to reports, one of the passengers suddenly jumped into the water midway through the crossing, causing the canoe to lose balance and capsize. Four of the five were rescued by residents and police officers. Isaac Buckman, however, remains unaccounted for.
The Assin North District Police Command, led by Superintendent Eric Yao Avudzivi, launched a search operation in collaboration with traditional leaders and community members. The search was suspended on Thursday evening due to poor visibility and resumed on Friday morning.
Assembly Member for the area, Mark Nti Ballack, said crossing the river had become extremely dangerous due to heavy rains, and noted that the passengers were from two communities, three from Assin Praso and two from Assin Dansame, who rely on the canoe as their only means of crossing.
Opinion leaders say the incident is the third canoe-related accident on the river within a year, with three people reportedly killed in previous incidents. They expressed concern over the continued use of canoes on the river, describing it as a daily danger for farmers and schoolchildren alike.
