A six-year-old boy, Sylvester Owusu, is missing and feared to have drowned after falling into the Anikoko River during a heavy rainstorm on Sunday, May 18.
The incident occurred along the Dunkwa-Aggrey Road in the Central Region.
According to his family, Sylvester was returning home from the Zongo Market to Oteng Crescent after running an errand for his grandmother.
While crossing a culvert over the swollen river, he is believed to have slipped and been swept away by the strong currents.
The torrential rainfall, which lasted from about 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., caused severe flooding in parts of the Dunkwa municipality.
Waterways and footpaths quickly became hazardous, making movement difficult and risky for residents.
A full-day search operation began early Monday morning, involving local volunteers and emergency responders.
Despite their efforts, the boy has not yet been found. Search teams continue to comb the area, hoping for any sign of the missing child.
Local authorities have issued a warning to residents, urging them to stay away from rivers, culverts, and flood-prone zones during and immediately after heavy rains.
“It is heartbreaking,” said one community member involved in the search. “We just hope we find him soon, whether alive or not, so the family can have some closure.”
The incident has reignited calls for improved safety measures along frequently used pedestrian routes near waterways.
