A committee tasked by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to investigate the cause of the Volta Lake boat disaster at the Krachi West Municipality in the Oti Region has presented its report to the Authority in the Oti Regional Capital, Dambai.
The Chairman of the Committee and Head of the Inland Waterways Unit at the GMA, Clifford Agyarko-Osei, who presented the report, said the findings were the result of hard work by the team and that several recommendations had been captured to help prevent similar accidents in the future.
“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, the Deputy Chair of the Committee and Maritime Security Coordinator, said some of the key recommendations included the mandatory wearing of life jackets and the discontinuation of using fishing boats to carry passengers.
“We advised that people stop using fishing boats for carrying passengers and also ensure the mandatory use of life jackets whenever passengers boarded the boats,” he said.
A member of the Committee, Nana Akwasi Brabi, confirmed that the committee’s findings were consistent with the initial investigations by the NADMO–Navy joint report, which attributed the disaster to an inexperienced operator and the weak condition of the boat that carried more passengers than it could handle.
Receiving the report on behalf of the Authority, Naval Capt. Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Rtd.), Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, said the GMA was 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.
Chairman of the Boat Operators Association, David More, outlined some of the challenges faced by boat owners, including inadequate supply of premix fuel, limited availability of life jackets, and lack of quality wood to repair broken boats.
The Board Chair of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Madam Jemilat Jawulaa Mahama, 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.
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 are being transported to marketplaces on the Volta Lake.
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