The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has condemned the actions of boat operators seen in a viral video dangerously overloading a vessel on the Volta Lake.
The footage showed passengers packed onto the boat without life jackets, sparking renewed concern about safety on the country’s inland waterways.
In response, the GMA called the situation alarming and said it undermines national efforts to protect lives.
The Authority recalled past tragedies like the Dikpe boat disaster, which claimed seven young lives and prompted safety interventions in nearby communities, including the distribution of life jackets to families in areas like Dimple, Brifo, and Bagir.
Over the past year, the GMA has undertaken several key initiatives to prevent such accidents. These include clearing over 20,000 tree stumps from major routes on the lake, which has helped reduce collision risks.
The Authority has also led nationwide safety campaigns through community education, loadline markings on boats, and the distribution of life jackets in towns including Buipe, Kwamikrom, and Mepe.
To boost emergency response, the GMA is deploying a rescue vessel to Kpando-Torkor, strengthening search and rescue efforts alongside Navy teams in Dambai and Yeji.
Despite these investments, GMA Director-General Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali said unsafe practices continue to threaten lives.
“It is troubling to see such flagrant disregard for life after our extensive investments and campaigns,” he said. “Safety on our waterways is non-negotiable. Operators must enforce safety rules, and passengers must refuse to board unsafe boats.”
The Authority urged the public to take personal responsibility for safety and warned that enforcement actions will be taken against violators.
It says only collective vigilance will ensure the goal of zero preventable accidents on Ghana’s waters.
