The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has disclosed that the Ministry of Transport will soon deploy personnel to all boarding points along the Volta Lake to ensure strict compliance with safety protocols, especially the mandatory wearing of life jackets.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Gyapong said the directive followed the recent boat disaster on the Oti River, which claimed 15 lives and has left many families devastated.
The tragedy, he noted, has prompted government agencies to take decisive steps to prevent future occurrences.
According to him, the initiative was announced by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who joined Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, officials from NADMO, and the Ghana Maritime Authority during a visit to commiserate with the bereaved families at Kete Krachi on Tuesday.
“The Transport Minister made a bold declaration that officers will be stationed at all boarding points along the lake. Anyone who refuses to wear a life jacket will not be allowed to board a canoe or boat,” Mr. Gyapong revealed.
He added that the deployed officers will also educate passengers and operators on water safety, including the approved passenger limits and other maritime regulations to curb overcrowding and negligence.
As part of the visit, the team donated over 100 life jackets to residents in the affected community and an additional 500 to adjoining areas, including Krachi Nchumuru.
NADMO also pledged to support the enforcement exercise and sustain public education efforts.
Mr. Gyapong expressed concern, however, that many residents ignore safety advice and refuse to wear life jackets despite previous sensitisation efforts by NGOs and local authorities.
“We have given out several life jackets, but people still don’t wear them. The locals are stubborn and difficult to control. We hope this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call,” he lamented.
He also pointed out that personnel strength along the Volta Lake remains inadequate, with fewer than five officers each from the Maritime Authority, Navy, and NADMO operating in the district, a situation he described as worrying.
Mr. Gyapong further highlighted child labour on the lake as another challenge, with many children seen paddling or operating canoes at an early age.
He assured that the Oti Regional Coordinating Council will work closely with the Transport Ministry and other agencies to strengthen enforcement and ensure lasting safety reforms along the Volta Lake.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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