Vice President commiserates with families of Volta Lake boat accident victims

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has led a government delegation to Krachi West in the Oti Region to sympathise with families affected by the recent boat accident on the Volta Lake near Okumah.
The delegation included the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Helen Ntoso, the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, the head of NADMO, Major (Rtd) Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, officials from the Ghana Maritime Authority, and representatives of the security agencies.

The Vice President conveyed the government’s deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the entire community on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana.
She assured the affected families that the government would continue to support them as they prepare to bury their loved ones.
As part of the visit, the delegation presented relief items and safety equipment to the families and community members to promote safer transport on the lake.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang urged boat operators to strictly follow safety protocols and ensure that passengers are provided with life jackets and other protective gear before embarking on any trip.
She described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the need to prioritise safety on the country’s water bodies.
The Vice President said the government is taking steps to strengthen safety standards, enforce regulations, and provide the necessary logistics to improve water transportation, especially for communities that rely on the Volta Lake for travel and trade.
She encouraged all stakeholders to work together to prevent such incidents in the future.
By: Jacob Aggrey