Volta Region: Six-year-old girl drowns in irrigation pond
A six-year-old girl has tragically lost her life in a drowning incident at an irrigation pond in Sonitra, a suburb of Kpetoe in the Volta Region, as confirmed by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
On Sunday, February 1, 2026, the child, identified as Sarah Ahiafor, accompanied other children to wash clothes at a pond-like water body used for irrigation purposes, which ultimately led to the fatal incident.
According to a press statement released by the Volta Regional Command of the GNFS on Monday, February 2, 2026, personnel from the Kpetoe Fire Station promptly responded to a distress call at approximately 1:40 p.m.
The statement further revealed that the rescue team, led by Assistant Station Officer (ASTNO) David Dzakah, swiftly mobilised and conducted a search and rescue operation, retrieving the child’s body from the water. Unfortunately, all efforts to resuscitate her proved unsuccessful.
The deceased was subsequently handed over to the Ghana Police Service at the scene for preservation and further investigations.
Preliminary findings by the GNFS indicate that the child drowned while in the company of other minors at the site without adult supervision.
The Fire Service has strongly cautioned parents and guardians to ensure children are not left unsupervised around open water bodies, warning that ponds, irrigation sites, and similar areas pose serious dangers and should only be accessed under the direct supervision of responsible adults.
“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,” the statement read
The Ghana National Fire Service also extended condolences to the bereaved family and reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of life and property.
