The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) is set to scale up its presence and operations along the Black Volta following the tragic drowning of students in Lawra.
This decision, confirmed by the Minister of the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, is part of a broader strategy coordinated by the Upper West Regional Security Council to enhance maritime safety in the region.
The announcement comes in the wake of growing public concern over the safety of river transport, particularly in rural communities.
The recent Lawra drowning incident, which claimed the lives of seven students from the Lawra Senior High School, has prompted urgent policy and logistical interventions aimed at preventing future occurrences. Addressing Parliament, the minister outlined the measures being implemented.
“The Regional Security Council, through coordinated effort with all relevant agencies, have put in place the following measures. One, regular sensitization of canoe owners and operators and residents along the Black Volta Basin and sensitization of students and identifiable bodies on maritime safety”
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, Minister of the Interior
In addition to education campaigns, the Ghana Maritime Authority has begun distributing life jackets to canoe operators along the river. Hon. Mubarak noted that these jackets are to be used at all times, and operators will be subject to monitoring to ensure compliance.
The goal, he said, is to make the use of life-saving gear a standard practice in all water-based transportation along the Black Volta. The minister also confirmed that the Maritime Authority will inspect and regulate “canoe maintenance for the safety of users on the river.”
To address the trauma experienced by survivors of the incident, psychosocial support has been arranged for students of Lawra Senior High School. The three surviving students are currently receiving assistance.
“It is expected that this budget put in place by the Upper West Regional Security Council will avert the future occurrence of this unfortunate incident that has taken the life of these future leaders”
Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, Minister of the Interior
Metal Canoes and Marine Guards
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Lawra, Hon. Bede Ziedeng, has proposed further enhancements to the safety framework. Drawing attention to the structural failure of the canoe involved in the tragedy, he recommended replacing wooden canoes with more durable alternatives.
“One of the reasons why that incident happened at all is because that canoe which was used is a wooden canoe, and it’s an old canoe and so it is easy for it to leak”
Hon. Bede Ziedeng, MP for Lawra
He disclosed that he had discussed the matter with the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, suggesting the adoption of metal canoes to eliminate the risk of leaks during travel.
Hon. Ziedeng also called for a permanent safety presence along the river, announcing that the Ghana Maritime Authority had agreed to introduce marine guards in riverside communities along the Black Volta.
According to the Lawra MP, these marine guards will be stationed at key crossing points, with two or three personnel per location, offering real-time guidance and enforcing proper protocols for those commuting between Ghana and neighbouring countries via the river.
“This is a very good proposal with measures that if put in place, will reduce the incidence of these drownings,” he added.
As the country continues to recover from the shock of the Lawra tragedy, the attention now shifts to the swift execution of these proposed measures.
Stakeholders are hoping that with policy, equipment, and personnel in place, river travel across the Black Volta will be safer for the people and tragedies like the recent one will be averted in future.
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