Naval officer swims 3.1km to raise awareness for children with special needs

Able Seaman Class 2, Precious Sarah Akutor, a 23-year-old naval officer, has conquered a challenge by swimming 3.1 kilometres across open waters to support a cause close to her heart.

Akutor undertook the swimming challenge to raise funds for an initiative aimed at empowering women, with a specific focus on building a support centre for children with special needs.

She said the idea was inspired by seeing the emotional and practical challenges faced by a colleague raising a child with special needs.

The Wave of Hope swimming challenge was officially launched on Monday, November 17, 2025. Four days later, on November 21, Akutor completed a 3.1-kilometre open-sea swim from Busa to Abuka Islands in the Western Region, finishing the journey in 61 minutes.

Speaking to Channel One News’ Western Bureau Chief, Akwasi Agyei Annim, after the event, Akutor said this marked the start of a bigger mission.

According to her, the goal is to build a support centre dedicated to children of Naval personnel with special needs and to create a space that provides care, relief, and assistance for affected families.

She appealed to the public to get involved and help her push the project forward.

“All I need from you is support the team for the children to smile because they need us and we need them too,” she said.

Naval Personnel AB2 Akutor Sarah Princess has kicked off an open sea swimming challenge, aiming to set a record by swimming 3.1 kilometres from Busua Beach to Abokwa Island in the Western Region. The initiative seeks to raise funds to build a centre for Naval personnel with… pic.twitter.com/owq1iF8U0g

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) November 21, 2025