The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has expressed concerned about a viral video showing a grossly overcrowded boat on the Volta Lake with passengers not wearing life jackets.
Despite the ongoing safety campaigns emphasizing use of life jackets and load limits, such reckless behavior persists.
The GMA recalled the tragic Dikpe boat disaster that claimed the lives of seven students, which forced the Authority to distribute life jackets to affected communities, including Dimple, Brifo, Brifo Chaa, Bagir, and Gombile, as part of their prevention efforts.
According to the Ghana Maritime Authority they are committed to enhancing safety on Ghana’s inland waterways, vital for thousands.
Key initiatives including Removal of Navigational Hazards: Over 20,000 tree stumps cleared from critical routes, including:
– Dambai-Njare
– Yeji-Makango
– Yeji-Awujakope
– Tunpunjah Island-Kudorkpoe
– Kudorkope-Dambai
– Bridge-Ano-Ntoaboma
– This effort has significantly reduced collision risks and potential fatalities.
Nationwide Safety Sensitization & Enforcement: “Our Technical teams have conducted comprehensive outreach activities, including safety education, loadline marking (to prevent overloading), and life jacket distribution in communities such as Bui, Buipe, Bongase, Kwamikrom, Deifuor, Mepe, and Battor,” it said.
Similar exercises were completed last year in Elubo, Nzulezu, Ekye Amanfrom, Adawso, Kotosu, Tepa, Yeji, Aveme, Kete-Krachi, Dzemini, and Akateng.
Leadership in Safety Advocacy
The Director-General, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, has led safety advocacy visits to key inland water locations, including Akosombo, Dambai, Kete Krachi, Yeji, and Tamale.
Enhanced Search & Rescue (SAR)
The Authority is deploying its vessel, MV Nene Azumah Matey Korley to Kpando-Torkor to bolster SAR capabilities on the Volta Lake and surrounding areas.
This complements existing GMA/Navy enforcement teams stationed at Dambai and Yeji.
Despite these efforts, the recent video is a sobering reminder that individual and collective action is essential.
“Reckless disregard for safety undermines national efforts and endangers lives. Boat Operators must strictly enforce load line compliance and ensure that all passengers wear certified life jackets before embarking,” Dr Ali said.
“Equally, passengers must demand life jackets and refuse to board overloaded boats. The Authority wishes to caution all boat owners and operators against flouting safety regulations and endangering lives.
“It is troubling to see such flagrant disregard for life after our extensive investments and campaigns,” stated Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali. “Safety on our waterways is non-negotiable. We urge everyone – operators and passengers alike – to take personal responsibility for their lives and safety. Enforcement actions will be taken against violators without hesitation,” he stressed.
The Authority implores all water users to prioritize safety.
“Collective vigilance and adherence to protocols are essential to achieve the goal of zero preventable accidents on Ghana’s inland waterways,” it noted.
