The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has sensitised boat owners and operators in Dambai in the Oti Region on safety measures for river travel as part of efforts to reduce accidents on inland waterways, particularly on the Volta Lake.
The training and sensitisation programme was designed to equip canoe and boat operators with practical knowledge on safe navigation, passenger handling, and basic precautions to take before and during trips.
The initiative follows recurring reports of boat accidents on the Volta Lake, incidents that have claimed lives and led to the loss of property.
Speaking to Adom News, Chief Petty Officer Class 1 Afedzame David Kwasi, President of GHALDA, underscored the importance of the exercise for operators who work along the Volta Lake corridor.
He expressed concern about the number of deaths recorded through boat-related accidents over the years, stressing that many incidents could be prevented when operators and passengers strictly observe safety standards.
He urged boat operators to take personal precautions seriously at all times, especially when transporting passengers and goods.
According to him, responsible conduct on the water—such as avoiding overloading, ensuring boats or canoes are in good condition, and staying alert to changing conditions—remains critical to preventing tragedies.
Chief Petty Officer Kwasi also appealed to passengers to insist on wearing life jackets whenever they travel by boat.
He noted that life jackets can significantly reduce fatalities in the event of an accident, and encouraged travellers to treat them as a necessity rather than an option.
Some of the boat operators who participated in the programme commended the Ghana Maritime Authority for the training.
They described the session as timely and impactful, and called for more frequent engagements of this kind, saying regular safety education and monitoring would help improve standards and protect lives on the Volta Lake.
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