A mason has died following a rescue and recovery operation by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at Asokwa, near the District Assembly in Abura Dunkwa in the Central Region.
In a Facebook post on Friday, June 13, the GNFS said the victim, identified as Kwesi Salifu, believed to be in his 30s, was working inside a well when he ran into difficulties, suspected to be due to low oxygen levels in the confined space.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, after emergency services received a distress call that a worker had become trapped in a well.
A seven-member rescue team from the Abura Dunkwa Fire Station, led by Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO II) Louis Afful, was quickly deployed to the scene. The team was later reinforced by ADO I Jeffery Ampiah and Station Officer (STNO I) Morgan to support the operation.
Eyewitnesses and the site owner, Mr Henry Duker, said the mason was carrying out work inside the well when he began struggling to breathe.
It is believed that insufficient oxygen in the confined space left him weak and disoriented.
According to reports, the victim attempted to climb out of the well but lost consciousness and fell back into the shaft.
Firefighters, upon arrival, mounted a carefully coordinated rescue and recovery operation to retrieve him from the well.
Despite their efforts, Mr Salifu was pronounced dead by medical personnel shortly after he was brought to the surface.
His body has since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for preservation and further investigations.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers associated with working in confined spaces such as wells, pits, tanks and underground structures.
The GNFS has since urged contractors and workers to strictly adhere to safety measures, including proper ventilation, oxygen monitoring, protective gear, safety harnesses and standby rescue arrangements when working in such environments.
Source: Adomonline.com
