A 10-year-old pupil of Bishop Herman Basic School at Norlivime has drowned while swimming with friends at Tetekope Beach in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region.
The deceased, identified as Ericsson Lumor, reportedly drowned on September 3, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m. while swimming with a group of friends at the beach.
According to Unit Committee Member Michael Abotsi Fiator, the children entered the sea during their free time but were unaware of the strong tides in that particular section of the shoreline.
“Information I have gathered indicated that the boys, numbering about 6, were swimming in the sea, and in the course of swimming, the deceased was overpowered by the waves and pulled away from his colleagues, who raised an alarm for help,” he said.
Fisherfolk who were nearby repairing their nets reportedly responded to the distress call and immediately entered the sea in an attempt to rescue the boy.
Mr Fiator said that after several attempts, the boy was retrieved from the water and quickly taken to the Keta Municipal Hospital. However, health officials pronounced him dead on arrival.
“The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the morgue of the Keta Municipal Hospital for preservation, autopsy and any other examination.”
The incident has reportedly left residents of Tetekope shocked and mourning the loss of the young boy, who was described by community members as respectful, hardworking and full of promise.
The-deceased was said to be a Class Two pupil of Bishop Herman Basic School and was preparing to return to school for the next academic term.
Following the tragedy, residents and opinion leaders in the community have urged children and young people to avoid swimming in the sea and lagoon, particularly without adult supervision.
They have also appealed to parents, guardians and teachers to strengthen supervision and educate children about the dangers of swimming in open water bodies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar