The deaths of two university students in separate swimming incidents within a week have raised concerns about water safety in Ghana. Kwamuar Seyram, a Level 300 student of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), drowned at Sir Charles Beach in the Central Region on November 1, 2026. Seyram had visited the beach with friends but initially declined to swim, planning to return later. He eventually returned with companions and entered the sea, but a powerful wave struck them, sweeping him away.
According to eyewitnesses, Seyram's friend attempted to rescue him, but the strong waves continued to pull him away. Despite efforts to raise an alarm and attract the attention of people around the beach, no experienced swimmer was available to undertake an immediate rescue. About 30 minutes later, a skilled swimmer from Winneba arrived and entered the water to search for Seyram, but the rescue attempt came too late. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety measures in place at popular beaches.
In a separate incident, David Osei Agyapong, a third-year Chemical Engineering student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), died on November 8, 2026, after diving from a 17.6-foot-high platform into the university's swimming pool. The university's Relations Officer, Dr Daniel Norris Bekoe, confirmed that Agyapong was an experienced swimmer who regularly used the facility and also helped others learn how to swim.
The circumstances surrounding Agyapong's death are being investigated by officials of the Ghana Police Service. The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols in place at the university's swimming pool, despite Agyapong's experience as a swimmer. The university community is in shock, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
The two incidents have sparked a national conversation about water safety and the need for vigilance at beaches and swimming pools. Authorities are urging students and the general public to exercise caution when engaging in swimming activities. The government and educational institutions are also being called upon to review safety protocols and provide adequate resources to prevent such incidents in the future.
The University of Education, Winneba, and KNUST have released statements expressing their condolences to the families of the deceased students. The incidents have also prompted a review of safety measures at beaches and swimming pools across the country. The Ghana Police Service is conducting investigations into both incidents to determine the causes and identify potential areas for improvement.
As the nation mourns the loss of the two young lives, stakeholders are emphasizing the importance of prioritizing water safety and providing adequate resources to prevent such incidents. The government, educational institutions, and the general public are being urged to work together to create a safer environment for swimming and other water activities. Authorities are also encouraging students to take necessary precautions and seek guidance from experienced swimmers or instructors when engaging in swimming activities.
Key points
- University of Education, Winneba student Kwamuar Seyram drowned at Sir Charles Beach on November 1, 2026.
- KNUST student David Osei Agyapong died on November 8, 2026, after diving into the university's swimming pool.
