The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has begun working with local authorities, traditional leaders, security agencies and boat operators in the Upper West Region to strengthen inland
The report indicates that the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has begun working with local authorities, traditional leaders, security agencies and boat operators in the Upper West Region to strengthen inland water safety and prevent fatal accidents along the Black Volta.
It further notes that the initiative formed part of a stakeholder dialogue held in Wa under the GMA’s Life Jackets for Safety and Livelihoods Initiative, aimed at building support for a strict “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” policy and improving safety at river-crossing points.
Addressing the forum, GMA Director-General Naval Captain (Rtd) Dr Kamal-Deen Ali stated protecting lives on Ghana’s inland waterways was now a key priority for the Authority.
He cited the June 2025 boat disaster at Dikpe in the Lawra Municipality, in which seven students died, as an example of the devastating consequences of poor compliance with water safety requirements.
“We have had many years of boat disasters in Ghana, including here in our own region. While water transport fatalities account for a smaller percentage compared to road crashes, every life is important,” he said.
“Since assuming office, one of the top priorities we have set for ourselves is to enhance inland water safety. We are meant to solve difficult problems, and we cannot leave them unsolved.”
The GMA’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Issah Kantagere Issahaku, stated investigations into boat accidents had identified non-compliance with safety requirements and the use of substandard life jackets among the leading causes of drowning.
He stated eight people died in three boat accidents in 2025, including the seven students who died in the Lawra area.
He also cited the drowning of 12 children at Okuma in the Kete Krachi area and a 2026 boat disaster in the East Gonja District that claimed nine lives, including five members of one family.
To address the cost of safety equipment, Mr Issahaku stated the GMA was making standard life jackets available at subsidised prices.
He stated life jackets that normally retail for more than GH¢400 were being offered at GH¢250 each, with a further reduction to GH¢230 for bulk community purchases. Low-cost rental schemes would also be available at selected landing points.
He added that the Authority had removed 26,448 submerged tree stumps nationwide between 2019 and 2026 to improve navigation and was working to increase the number of Inland Water Safety Guards from 200 to more than 350.
Lawra Municipal Police Commander ASP Abdulai Kadir stated investigations into the June 9, 2025 Dikpe boat disaster found that the canoe was operated by an unlicensed person below the age of 16 and was carrying more passengers than its capacity.
He called for clearer legislation and enforceable load-line standards to enable security agencies to take action against operators who breach safety requirements.
