Volta Lake Tragedy: Committee Recommends Ban on Use of Fishing Boats for Passenger Transport
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Kete Krachi, Oti Region — The investigative committee set up to probe last month’s fatal boat accident on the Volta Lake in the Krachi East Municipality has formally submitted its report to the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
The tragedy, which occurred near the Akuma stretch of the lake, claimed 11 lives including several children and renewed national debate over the safety of passenger transport on Ghana’s inland waterways.
The committee, constituted by the GMA immediately after the incident, presented its findings and recommendations to the Authority and its governing board in Kete Krachi on Wednesday.
Although the full report has not yet been made public, two key recommendations have emerged:Immediate ban on the use of fishing boats for passenger transport; and Strict enforcement of life jacket use for all passengers and operators.
“Fishing boats are meant for fishing, not for carrying passengers,” said Captain Isaac Mahama, one of the maritime officers who participated in the investigation. “There are boats designed specifically for transporting people safely. Once you have a boat, you should wear a life jacket, it’s not optional.”
The Ghana Maritime Authority, which received the report, confirmed that it would review the full findings and ensure that all recommendations are implemented.
Speaking after the presentation, a GMA representative emphasized that routine investigations are mandatory for every maritime casualty, whether on small boats or larger vessels. “This investigation was completed in record time,” the official said. “We will study the report carefully and take the necessary steps to enforce its recommendations.”
The Authority also reiterated plans to make life jackets available at subsidized prices to encourage compliance among boat operators.
In an interview monitored by DM Media Online, residents have expressed frustration that safety regulations are often ignored, despite recurring accidents on the Volta Lake. Local fishermen say that enforcement by the Maritime Authority and local assemblies has been inconsistent. “Every time there is a disaster, we hear promises of reform,” said a community leader in Dambai. “But after a few weeks, things return to normal. We just want rules that are enforced every day, not only after people die.”
Boat accidents on Ghana’s inland waterways particularly on the Volta Lake have claimed dozens of lives in recent years. Many of these incidents are attributed to overloading, poor maintenance of boats, use of fishing vessels for passenger transport, and non-compliance with safety gear regulations.
The Ghana Maritime Authority says it is collaborating with district assemblies, traditional leaders, and transport unions to strengthen local enforcement and ensure that only licensed passenger boats operate on the lake.
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