The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has initiated investigations into the boat accident on the Volta Lake near Yeji, which claimed seven lives and left two others missing in the Gonja East District of the Savannah Region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Authority confirmed that the accident occurred between Sikakope and Mataiko villages during a trip from Yeji to Congo.
The Authority reported that the boat, carrying 14 passengers, capsized around 5:30 p.m. after reportedly encountering severe weather conditions, while the rescue team saved some victims.
“Immediate search and recovery efforts by officials and community leaders resulted in the rescue of five (5) males.
“However, nine (9) passengers are believed to have drowned. As of Thursday, April 9, 2026, seven (7) bodies comprising two females and five children have been recovered,” part of the statement disclosed.
The statement noted that a joint team of divers and emergency responders from the Ghana Navy and Ghana Maritime Authority continues to search for the “remaining two missing persons, a woman and a child,” extending its condolences to the affected families.
The Authority expressed concern after finding that none of the passengers wore life jackets during the incident.
Ghana Maritime Authority described such tragedy as a “blatant disregard for fundamental maritime safety regulations was a significant factor in the loss of life.”
The GMA urged boat operators and the public to prioritize the use of life jackets as a mandatory safety requirement for all water travel, remaining resolute in conducting inspections to prevent future incidents.
Source: Ernest Kelvin Okanta
