A heartbreaking tragedy struck the Kete Krachi area on Saturday, October 11, when a boat carrying passengers across the Volta Lake capsized, claiming the lives of at least fifteen people, including eleven children aged between two and fourteen years.
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, October 12, describing it as “heartbreaking” and extending its “deepest and most heartfelt condolences” to the bereaved families and the Kete Krachi community.
According to the Authority, the boat was reportedly grossly overloaded when it overturned mid-journey. Four survivors were rescued.
John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister, on behalf of the President of the Republic and the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, which occurred between Okumah and Debume in the Krachi West Municipality.
Citing reports from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Minister disclosed that 20 passengers were on board at the time of the accident. Sixteen people, including women and children, have been confirmed dead, while one person remains missing. Three of the deceased have been sent to the Krachi Government Hospital mortuary, twelve to the Worawora Government Hospital, and search operations are still underway.
“The entire Oti Region mourns deeply with the affected families,” the Minister stated, acknowledging the presence and support of the Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Helen Ntoso, and the Municipal Chief Executive, Prosper K. Addo, during this period of grief.
“We stand united in prayer and support, trusting that the Almighty will comfort the bereaved and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana Maritime Authority has announced immediate measures to prevent future tragedies on Lake Volta.
These include a full investigation involving maritime inspectors, and the Navy Task Force has been commissioned to determine the exact cause of the disaster and identify individuals or entities responsible.
The GMA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, has established a high-level Casualty Investigations Committee. The Committee will review existing safety protocols and propose urgent reforms to strengthen safety compliance on the Volta Lake and other inland waterways.
The Authority has intensified monitoring and enforcement exercises along the Volta Lake to curb overloading and other unsafe practices. Boat operators who flout maritime safety regulations will face strict sanctions and possible prosecution.
The Authority further urged the public to be vigilant and to refuse boarding boats that are visibly overloaded or lack life jackets, stressing that such caution “could save a life, especially a child’s.”
The tragic incident has once again drawn attention to the recurring safety challenges on Ghana’s inland waterways and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of maritime safety laws.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
