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A sense of mourning has descended upon the community of Assin Aworoso in the Central Region following the tragic death of a 28-year-old commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as an okada rider. The victim, identified as Kofi Adisco, reportedly drowned in the River Onwa on April 15, 2026, during what was intended to be a friendly swimming competition among peers. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the sudden and devastating dangers associated with recreational activities in unpredictable water bodies, especially during periods where river levels are high.
According to eyewitness accounts, the tragedy unfolded shortly after the group of okada riders had shared a meal together. In a display of camaraderie and competition, Adisco and several of his colleagues jumped into the River Onwa. While the others eventually emerged from the water, Adisco failed to resurface, sparking immediate alarm among the onlookers. Initial rescue attempts by those present proved unsuccessful, necessitating the involvement of community elders and the mobilization of a dedicated search party. After an intensive day-long operation, the search party discovered Adisco’s lifeless body. Notably, the recovered remains exhibited a significant head injury, leading to speculation that the deceased may have collided with a submerged rock upon entering the water.
The body of the deceased has since been transported to the St. Francis Xavier Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination. Local police have officially commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the drowning to confirm the exact cause of death and rule out alternative factors. In the wake of this unfortunate event, local authorities and community leaders have issued a stern warning to residents, particularly the youth, against swimming in the River Onwa. Officials emphasized that the river is currently in an overflowed and dangerous state, making it hazardous even for experienced swimmers. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the critical need for safety awareness and the avoidance of high-risk activities in natural water bodies during the rainy season.