6-Year-Old Boy Dies, Sister Critically Injured After Falling Into Abandoned Septic Tank at Buduburam

A heartbreaking incident at Buduburam Blue Estate in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region has left a family shattered and a community in shock, after a six-year-old boy died and his 16-year-old sister was critically injured when both fell into an abandoned septic tank.

The siblings, who are Liberian nationals, had reportedly gone to fetch water from the 13-foot-deep abandoned tank on Friday morning amid a persistent water crisis that has forced many residents to rely on unsafe and improvised sources for their daily needs.

According to eyewitnesses, the tragedy unfolded when the young boy accidentally slipped and fell into the tank. His elder sister, acting on instinct to save him, also fell in during the rescue attempt. A woman who witnessed the incident raised an alarm, drawing several residents to the scene.

Community members managed to rescue the girl, who was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Efforts to locate the younger child, however, proved difficult. The Ghana National Fire Service later joined the search, but the boy could only be retrieved after traditional authorities performed libation at the site—a step residents believed helped in locating his body. He was transported to St. Gregory Catholic Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Residents revealed that the abandoned septic tank has become a risky but frequently used water source following severe water shortages in the area. They attributed the ongoing crisis to the pollution of the Ayensu River by illegal mining activities, which forced the shutdown of the Agona Kwanyarko treatment plant. With taps running dry for weeks, many families have been resorting to unsafe water sources despite the dangers.

Buduburam Fire Officer, Samuel Derrick Morro, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the rising number of emergencies linked to abandoned wells, septic tanks, and open pits in the district.

The Assembly Member for the Buduburam Electoral Area, Emmanuel Dogbe, described the incident as deeply tragic. He assured residents that he will collaborate with traditional authorities and community members to ensure the abandoned tank is securely sealed to prevent further loss of life. He also called for urgent intervention from district authorities and water management agencies to restore safe water supply and avert future tragedies driven by desperation.

Residents are now demanding swift action from authorities, warning that unless the water crisis is addressed and hazardous structures secured, more lives will remain at risk.