Tragic Boat Disaster on Volta Lake Claims 15 Lives
A devastating boat accident on the Volta Lake near Kete Krachi in the Oti Region has resulted in the loss of 15 lives, according to the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA). The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 pm on Saturday, 11 October 2025, when a small passenger boat capsized mid-journey while traveling from Okuma to Bovime in the Krachi West District. The vessel was reportedly carrying passengers who had attended a funeral before the tragedy unfolded.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the boat was overloaded beyond its safe capacity, leading to the catastrophic event. Among the victims, 11 were children aged between two and 14 years, comprising five boys and six girls. The remaining four deceased individuals were adults, including three women and one man, aged between 18 and 64. Four other adults managed to survive the disaster.
Twelve bodies have been transported to the mortuaries at the Kete Krachi and Worawora Government Hospitals for further identification and processing. Meanwhile, three of the deceased children have already been laid to rest by their families, marking a somber moment for the community.
GMA Launches Investigation into the Tragedy
Describing the incident as an “unacceptable breach of safety standards,” the Ghana Maritime Authority has deployed a specialized investigative team to the crash site. This team includes maritime safety inspectors and personnel from the Navy Task Force based in Dambai. The GMA is also working with the Ministry of Transport to establish a high-level Casualty Investigations Committee. This committee will conduct a comprehensive inquiry and recommend urgent enforcement measures to prevent similar incidents on the Volta Lake and other inland waterways.
As part of the immediate response, the GMA has announced a lakeside safety enforcement operation targeting vessels operating without proper permits. The initiative aims to address boats that exceed passenger limits and operators who fail to provide or enforce the use of life jackets. Any vessels found violating safety regulations will be seized, and their operators will face prosecution, the Authority warned.
A National Heartbreak
In a statement, the GMA extended its condolences to the families affected by this tragic event, calling it a national heartbreak, especially due to the number of children involved. The Authority urged residents in lakeside communities to remain vigilant and refuse to board overloaded or unsafe boats.
“The sheer number of young lives cut short leaves an indelible pain on the heart of the nation,” the statement said. It emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring safe water transport and reiterated its commitment to enforcing safety standards.
The GMA called on community leaders and the public to act as “custodians of safety” to help prevent future tragedies on the Volta Lake. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for strict adherence to safety protocols and the critical role of vigilance in preventing such disasters.
Immediate Actions and Long-Term Measures
In addition to the enforcement operations, the GMA is exploring long-term solutions to improve safety on the Volta Lake. These include stricter regulations for boat operators, increased public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with local authorities to monitor compliance with safety standards.
The incident has sparked widespread concern across the region, with many calling for stronger oversight and accountability in the transportation sector. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on learning from this tragedy to ensure that no more lives are lost due to preventable causes.