By Daniel Bampoe
A tragic boating accident on the Volta Lake near Kete Krachi in the Oti Region has claimed the lives of 15 people, including 11 children, after an overloaded boat capsized on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), the ill-fated vessel was dangerously overloaded when it overturned in mid-lake waters, leading to the devastating loss of life.
The victims include children aged between 2 and 14 years, and four adults.
Four other passengers managed to survive the incident after being rescued by local fishermen and emergency responders.
The GMA described the tragedy as “heartbreaking” and extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the Kete Krachi community, which has been thrown into mourning.
GMA’s Response and Immediate Actions
In its statement, the Ghana Maritime Authority announced a series of decisive measures to prevent future occurrences and ensure accountability for the latest disaster.
1. Full Investigation: The Authority has deployed a specialized team comprising maritime inspectors and personnel from the Ghana Navy Task Force to the accident site to determine the exact cause and identify those responsible for the unsafe operations.
2. High-Level Committee: The Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the GMA, will establish a Casualty Investigations Committee to review safety lapses and recommend urgent policy interventions.
3. Enhanced Enforcement: The GMA said it is launching a sustained lakeside safety enforcement operation across major landing points on the Volta Lake. Boat operators found overloading vessels or failing to provide passengers with lifejackets will have their boats seized and face prosecution.
Public Caution And Appeal for Responsibility
The GMA further appealed to the public, particularly residents and traders who regularly travel across the Volta Lake, to prioritize personal safety and refuse to board overloaded vessels.
“Your refusal could save a life, especially a child’s,” the Authority cautioned.
The GMA reaffirmed its commitment to improving maritime safety through continuous education, stricter regulation, and collaboration with traditional authorities and transport unions operating along the lake.
