The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadzo Gyapong, has announced that the government will soon commence the construction of a bridge across the Volta Lake to connect Dambai and Kete Krachi.
The project, he said, forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s Big Push infrastructure agenda and aims to improve transport, trade, and safety across the Oti Region. Speaking to journalists, the Minister disclosed that preparatory discussions have been concluded.
“The President is very serious about the construction of a bridge on the lake. I spoke to the contractor about three weeks ago, and very soon they will come and cut sod for the project”
Hon. John Kwadzo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister
The Oti Minister explained that the long-awaited bridge will bring significant relief to residents who currently depend on canoes and ferries to cross the Volta Lake, noting that for decades, communities on both sides of the lake have endured “poor access, unstable transport, and frequent accidents,” with several lives lost each year.
The latest tragedy occurred over the weekend when a canoe carrying mourners capsized near Kete Krachi, killing at least fifteen people, including eleven children. Reports revealed that the canoe was being controlled by an eleven-year-old boy, who also perished in the incident. The victims were reportedly travelling from one island to another to attend a funeral.
Hon. Gyapong said the bridge project will drastically reduce such fatal incidents by providing a safer alternative for travellers. He emphasized that the bridge will not only link the southern and northern parts of the Oti Region but will also strengthen economic activities between Oti and Ghana’s northern corridor.
He reassured residents of the government’s determination to begin the project without further delay, referencing President Mahama’s earlier remarks during his “Thank You Tour” in the region.
“I can assure you that this bridge will commence this year, and we will cut the sod for this bridge together,” President Mahama said in July.
Ensuring Safety
Following the Kete Krachi boat disaster, Hon. Gyapong also appealed to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to take a more active role in ensuring safe transport across the Volta Lake, expressing concern over the lack of modern vessels managed by the Volta Lake Transport Company.
He noted that residents continue to rely on unsafe canoes and poorly maintained boats.
“I am not seeing a single well-built boat that belongs to the Volta Lake Transport. And I think if we can have one well looked after boat from the Volta Lake Transport across board picking people from island to island, people will go by the rules and regulations, and it will prevent accidents”
Hon. John Kwadzo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister
He stressed that such investments coupled with strict enforcement of certain measures from the VRA and private players could significantly improve safety and reliability for lake commuters.
The Oti Minister also voiced frustration over the refusal of many residents to wear life jackets despite continuous sensitization and free distribution exercises by authorities. He lamented that even after repeated tragedies, many still choose to travel without any protective gear.
“It is very difficult to handle this situation. No matter how we try to enforce the laws, no matter the number of life jackets that we give, they don’t want to use them. It is not like we haven’t given them life jackets; there have been a lot. NADMO brought a lot of life jackets”
Hon. John Kwadzo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister
Describing the situation as “disheartening,” Hon. Gyapong warned that government agencies will begin strict enforcement of safety regulations to prevent further loss of life.
“Anybody who wants to stay on the island should make it a point to have life jackets, and put them on whenever they want to travel. We are going to enforce this. If we come around and you are from the island but you don’t have a life jacket, we will have to take you on”
Hon. John Kwadzo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting safe water transport through continuous education and enforcement.
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