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Waterways have long been a vital transportation mode for many Ghana communities. It provides a lifeline for many who rely on it for school, work, and other events.
However, in recent times, the surge in boat accidents in the country resulting in the loss of lives has ignited concerns, bringing to attention the absence of safety measures. This situation compromises the safety of passengers.
The trend has raised calls for enhancement of safety measures including the mandatory use of life jackets on waterways.
GhanaWeb takes a look at some recent boat disasters that have occurred in the country.
Boat accident in Dambai:
On Tuesday, June 12, 2024, three persons died after a boat they were travelling in capsised in the evening on the Oti River in Dambai.
The boat, which was carrying 10 persons from Dambai, was heading towards Njari, a farming and fishing community in Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region when the incident occurred. Seven persons were rescued with three reported dead.
The travellers resorted to using canoes to cross the Oti River following the only ferry on the river broke down.
Faana boat accident:
On May 11, 2023, nine schoolchildren from Faana, a suburb of Bortianor in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, drowned when the boat which was taking them across an estuary capsised.
The school children were returning home from school at Wiaboman a community near Dansoman when they met their untimely death. The tragic incident left the entire community devastated.
Boat accident in Oti Region:
On March 12, 2023, eight persons were reported dead after a boat carrying 15 persons headed for Kpadzori, in the Krachi West District, in the Oti Region, capsised on River Oti.
The accident was blamed on the overloading of the boat designed to carry eight persons According to an eyewitness, the deceased persons were not wearing life jackets.
Volta Lake accident:
Again, on March 18, 2023, five people were reported dead in a Volta Lake accident after a boat they were travelling in capsized at Azizakpe in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region.
According to reports, the affected persons were travelling from Azizanya to Azizakpe, an over-bank community for a funeral when the accident occurred.
According to a survivor, Gifty Mamle Agbasi, none of the people on the canoe were wearing life jackets.
"We were more than the number the boat was supposed to carry and the operator told us that nothing would happen,” she said.
She explained that a few minutes after the canoe set off, the boat capsized but she was fortunate to have been saved by some rescuers who rushed in with canoes.
JKB/NOQ
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