Committee Investigates Volta Lake Boat Disaster
A committee established by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to examine the cause of the recent boat disaster on Volta Lake in Krachi West Municipality, Oti region, has submitted its report to the GMA in Dambai, the regional capital. The incident has raised concerns about safety and regulation on the lake, prompting a thorough investigation.
Key Findings and Recommendations
Mr. Clifford Agyarko-Osei, Chairman of the Committee and Head of the Inland Waterways Unit at the GMA, presented the findings. He emphasized that the report was the result of dedicated efforts by the team and included several critical recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.
“The committee’s findings are a product of the dedication and commitment of the team, and we have made key recommendations to strengthen safety on the lake,” he stated.
Naval Capt. Isaac Abu Mahama, Deputy Chair of the Committee and Maritime Security Coordinator, highlighted some of the main recommendations. These include making the use of life jackets mandatory for all passengers and discontinuing the practice of using fishing boats to transport people.
“We advised that people stop using fishing boats in carrying passengers and also ensure the mandatory use of life jackets whenever passengers boarded the boats,” he said.
Consistency with Previous Investigations
Nana Akwasi Brabi, a member of the Committee, confirmed that the findings align with the initial investigations conducted by the NADMO–Navy joint report. That report attributed the disaster to an inexperienced operator and a boat in poor condition that was overloaded with passengers.
Receiving the report on behalf of the GMA, Naval Capt. Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Rtd.), Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, stated that the GMA is already working in key inland waterway areas to assess ongoing operations and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
He noted that the Authority would soon open an office in the Krachi West Municipality to improve oversight and enforcement.
“We are taking steps to strengthen inland water safety and will ensure that all the committee’s recommendations are enforced to prevent future occurrences,” Dr. Kamal-Deen assured.
Challenges Faced by Boat Operators
Mr. David More, Chairman of the Boat Operators Association, outlined some of the challenges faced by boat owners. These include inadequate supply of premix fuel, limited availability of life jackets, and lack of quality wood to repair broken boats.
Madam Jemilat Jawulaa Mahama, Board Chair of the Ghana Maritime Authority, acknowledged that the absence of a GMA office in the area had contributed to the perception that the Authority was inactive.
She said, “We admit that the lack of a GMA office in this area has made some people think we are not working, but I assure you that an office will soon be established, and staff will be posted to work closely with the Navy.”
Madam Jawulaa added that the GMA would collaborate with the Municipal Assembly to ensure that the issue of life jackets becomes a thing of the past and advised boat owners to make their use mandatory.
Community Response and Calls for Action
The Akuamohene of the Krachi Traditional Council, Nana Ogyefoase Anto, commended the Ghana Maritime Authority for its swift response and continuous engagement with communities along the Volta Lake.
He said, the key issue was about life jackets and urged all boat owners to make sure passengers wear them whenever they were being transported to marketplaces on the Volta Lake.