Cape Coast, Ghana – The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for the Cape Coast Metropolis, Hon. George Justice Arthur, together with the Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast South, Hon. Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, paid a courtesy visit to the bereaved family of the late eight-year-old boy, Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, who tragically lost his life after being swept away by floodwaters following a heavy rainfall.
The visit formed part of activities marking the National Clean-Up Exercise, which was observed across the metropolis to promote environmental sanitation and raise awareness about the dangers associated with choked drains and poor waste management.
The late Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, who was named after the Cape Coast South MP, reportedly fell into a fast-flowing stream during a heavy downpour. Despite frantic efforts by family members, residents, and rescue teams, he remained missing for two weeks before his body was eventually recovered.
During the visit, Hon. George Justice Arthur expressed his deepest condolences to the grieving family and assured them of the Metropolitan Assembly’s commitment to intensifying efforts to improve drainage systems and sanitation within the metropolis to help prevent similar tragedies.
Hon. Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, visibly saddened by the incident, sympathized with the family and encouraged them to remain strong during this difficult period. He emphasized the need for residents to support environmental cleanliness by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, especially during the rainy season.
The two leaders also used the occasion to remind the public that the National Clean-Up Exercise is not only about keeping communities clean but also about protecting lives through proper environmental management and responsible waste disposal.
Family members expressed appreciation to the MCE and the MP for their visit, describing it as a great source of comfort and encouragement in their time of grief.
The tragic death of young Kweku Ricketts-Hagan has renewed calls for stronger measures to address flooding, improve drainage infrastructure, and promote environmental responsibility across the Cape Coast Metropolis.
By Frank Kofi Essuman
