An eight-year-old boy, Elijah Carbah, tragically lost his life on Friday morning after falling into an uncovered, water-filled manhole at Blue Rose Estate in Buduburam, near Kasoa in the Central Region.
A second boy, aged 16, who also fell into the same manhole, was rescued by neighbours and rushed to St. Gregory Hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
According to an official statement released by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Buduburam Fire Station received a distress call at 07:40 hours on Friday, November 28.
A rescue team led by Station Officer II Farouk Balorbey was immediately dispatched and arrived at the scene at 07:54 hours.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that neighbours had already pulled the 16-year-old victim from the manhole and transported him to hospital.
The younger boy, Elijah Carbah, remained trapped underwater. With assistance from community members, the GNFS team retrieved Elijah and rushed him to St. Gregory Hospital, where doctors unfortunately pronounced him dead.
The GNFS has extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and wished the hospitalized teenager a speedy recovery.
In the statement signed by Divisional Officer Grade Two Abdul Wasiu Hudu, Central Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, the Service renewed its appeal to property developers and landowners to immediately cover all unused or abandoned manholes to prevent similar tragedies.
The GNFS further urged the public to remain vigilant around open water hazards, especially in residential areas, and to report any uncovered manholes or other dangers to the appropriate authorities.