Marine patrol team to monitor Volta Lake

The Transport Minister Fifi Fiavi Kwetey has revealed to Parliament that a marine patrol team will begin patrolling parts of the Volta Lake where water transport services are offered.

The former Agricultural minister said many of the disasters on the lake leading to loss of lives and properties are due to flagrant disregard for laws governing the maritime sector.

"Though the Ghana Maritime Authority distributes life vests free of charge to passengers [but] due to the attitudes of the passengers, they fail to wear them," the Member of Parliament for Ketu South said Tuesday.

He added that “I have taken note of the other concerns such as clearing the water ways to prevent similar accidents in future.”

The minister’s comments come after a recent disaster on the Volta Lake led to the deaths of 19 people including six children.

This incident follows another in May, where about fifteen people were rescued in an accident involving a ferry heading towards Yeji.

In January, one person died while hundreds were rescued in February in two different accidents.

Hon. Kwetey further indicated that challenges facing the Volta Lake Transport Company will be addressed to enable it function effectively.