Rescue team saves woman who hid in drain to escape assailants at Afrikiko

A 29-year-old woman has been rescued from a roadside drain near the Afrikiko traffic light in Accra after reportedly spending the night hiding there to escape an alleged attack.

The Ghana National Fire Service responded to a distress call early Wednesday morning and dispatched a rescue team to the scene, where the woman, identified as Rita James, was found trapped in the drain.

The five member crew, led by Assistant Divisional Officer I Alex Amankwah, worked for nearly an hour before safely pulling her out at about 08:30.

Officials said the woman, believed to be a Nigerian national, told rescuers she had climbed into the drain overnight after being chased by men she feared intended to harm her.

After the rescue, she was taken to the Nima Police Station for questioning and later referred to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital at Asylum Down for treatment.

Fire service personnel say the operation was carried out swiftly, bringing the situation under control without injury to the victim or the rescue team.