The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, and the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, are scheduled to appear before Parliament next week to address pressing concerns regarding the absence of life jackets in communities reliant on water transport.
This summons comes in the wake of a tragic incident in which seven students from Lawra Senior High School lost their lives while attempting to cross the Black Volta on June 13, 2025.
The inclusion of the Energy Minister is significant, as it will facilitate discussions about the communities situated along the Volta River and their specific needs.
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, June 17, Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako endorsed a proposal put forth by Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor for the ministers to appear before the House. He emphasized the critical nature of the issue and the necessity for prompt action.
“If we can look at the budget of the Interior Ministry so that a certain portion of their budget will be allocated to take care of this emergency. It is very critical,” he said.
The Member of Parliament for Lawra, Mr. Bede Ziedeng, has formally appealed to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Regional Coordinating Council, and the Lawra Municipal Assembly for the urgent provision of life jackets to communities situated along the Black Volta River.
“I appeal to NADMO, the Regional Coordinating Council, and the Lawra Municipal Assembly to come to the aid of Lawra SHS and the bereaved families,” he added.
Ziedeng has committed to donating ten life jackets to the affected communities and has called upon Parliament to initiate prompt legislative measures aimed at preventing future tragedies.