8-Year-Old Dies After Falling Into Abandoned Manhole In Gomoa East

An eight-year-old boy has died after drowning in an abandoned manhole at Blue Rose Estate in Buduburam in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region.

The victim, Elijah Success Kaba, and his 15-year-old cousin, Andrew Jallo, now in critical condition, fell into the manhole while attempting to draw water from it.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded quickly and managed to rescue both children, rushing them to St. Gregory Catholic Hospital. Sadly, Elijah passed away while receiving treatment.

Buduburam Fire Station Officer DO II Samuel Derry Moro told revealed that the team arrived within 10 minutes of the distress call. He explained that officers had to work with local elders to perform necessary rites before completing the rescue mission.

Residents have blamed the estate developers, Blue Rose Limited, for leaving the manhole exposed. They are urging authorities and the company to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies.

A concerned resident appealed: “We want this manhole moved to higher ground or at least filled immediately. It’s a danger to children in this community, and we need urgent intervention.”