A 49-year-old farmer, Isaac Buckman, is missing after a canoe carrying five farmers capsized on the River Bobie Fum at Assin Dansame in the Assin North District of the Central Region.
The incident occurred at about 10:00 am on Thursday when the farmers were returning from their farms after heavy rains had caused the river to overflow its banks.
According to eyewitness accounts, the canoe overturned midway through the crossing after one of the passengers allegedly jumped into the water, destabilising the boat.
A rescue team managed to save four of the occupants, while Mr Buckman remains unaccounted for.
Police personnel, in collaboration with residents and traditional authorities, have commenced a search operation to locate the missing farmer.
The search was temporarily suspended Thursday evening due to poor visibility but resumed Friday morning.
Residents said the latest incident was the third canoe-related accident recorded on the river within the past year.
They have therefore appealed to government to urgently construct a bridge across the river to help prevent further tragedies and ensure safe movement for residents and farmers in the area.
