The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has announced a series of emergency safety measures following last Saturday’s boat disaster on the Volta Lake near Kete Krachi, which claimed 15 lives, including 11 children.
The Authority said it has begun a full-scale investigation involving maritime inspectors and the Navy Task Force to uncover the cause of the accident and hold any responsible parties accountable.
In addition, a high-level Casualty Investigations Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, will be established to recommend urgent reforms to strengthen inland water transport safety.
Other measures include tighter enforcement across the Volta Lake, the seizure of overloaded boats, and prosecution of operators who breach safety regulations.
The GMA also issued a strong warning to passengers, urging them to avoid boarding overloaded vessels or those without life jackets.
“Your refusal could save a life, especially a child’s,” the statement read.
Saturday’s tragedy occurred when an overloaded boat capsized during a routine crossing of the lake. Four people survived, while the rest perished most of them children aged between two and fourteen.
Describing the incident as “heartbreaking,” the Authority extended its condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing safety measures across Ghana’s inland waterways.
