The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has confirmed a tragic boat disaster near Kete Krachi on Saturday, October 11, resulting in the loss of 15 lives after a grossly overloaded vessel capsized.
According to the GMA, the scale of this tragedy is heartbreaking with 11 of the deceased are children (aged 2 to 14 years).
The GMA added that four adults also died, with four others surviving.
The Authority extended its deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the Kete Krachi community enduring this unimaginable loss.
In response to the incident, the GMA has announced a series of decisive actions full investigation, high-level committee and enhanced enforcement.
“A specialised team, including Maritime Inspectors and the Navy Task Force, is deployed to establish the cause and hold all responsible parties fully accountable.
“A Casualty Investigations Committee will be constituted with the Ministry of Transport to ensure urgent policy changes. We are launching a sustained lakeside safety enforcement operation. Overloaded boats and operators violating safety laws will be seized and prosecuted,” GMA said in a statement.
The Authority also issued a public safety appeal: “Do not Board any boat that is visibly overloaded or lacks lifejackets. Your refusal could save a life, especially a child’s.”
The GMA reaffirmed its commitment to safer water transport, stating, “We remain resolute in our commitment to safer water transport.”
