A joint team of maritime inspectors and officers from the Ghana Navy has been deployed to Kete Krachi in the Oti region to assist the Police and other agencies in investigating the tragic boat accident that claimed 15 lives, including 11 children.
According to the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), the vessel was overloaded and capsized while crossing a section of the Volta Lake. The victims include children aged between two and 14 years, along with four adults. Four passengers survived the disaster, while one person remains missing.
Deputy Director General of the GMA, Masawudu Mubarick, said the Authority has mobilised personnel from the Maritime Police and the Ghana Navy to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident.
“We are drawing people from the Maritime Police, and there’s already a Navy detachment close to Kete Krachi that has been deployed, along with officials from the Maritime Authority. At this stage, we are still assembling the full complement of the team needed to begin the investigation fully,” he explained in an interview with JoyNews’ Maame Esi Thompson.
Mr. Mubarick attributed most boat accidents on the Volta Lake to negligence on the part of both operators and passengers. He noted that many boats are in poor condition, and passengers often fail to wear life jackets despite safety advisories.
“We are therefore intensifying public education and awareness on safety compliance,” he added.
He further called for a review of existing laws to empower the Authority to strictly enforce safety standards and penalise offenders.
“We are very handicapped when it comes to the legal backing required for enforcement. We are still working on an Act of Parliament that will contain all the necessary regulations. Once that is passed, we’ll have the power to enforce, penalise, and prosecute violators swiftly,” Mr. Mubarick said.
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