A tragic boat accident that claimed 15 lives on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Volta Lake close to Kete Krachi has been confirmed by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
Preliminary indications suggest that the boat was significantly overloaded over its safe operating capacity, according to GMA.
Sadly, 11 of the dead were children (six girls and five boys) ranging in age from two to fourteen.
Three ladies and one guy, all between the ages of 18 and 64, made up the remaining four fatalities.
The disaster was survived by four additional persons who were on board.
The remaining three children have subsequently been buried, while the bodies of twelve of the deceased have been placed in the mortuaries at Worawora Government Hospital and Kete Krachi.
In the Krachi West District of the Oti Region, the small boat carrying passengers reportedly returned from a funeral at Okuma to Bovime when it sadly capsized at around 1:30 PM.
According to GMA preliminary findings, the boat was significantly overloaded over its safe operating capability.
In a statement released on Sunday night, October 12, 2025, the Ghana Maritime Authority stated that it considers the occurrence to be a “severe and unacceptable violation of safety regulations and is dedicated to complete transparency and prompt remedial action.”
It stated that a team of investigators, including members of the Navy Task Force in Dambai and marine safety inspectors, had been sent to the location.
The team’s task is to determine the exact reason of the mishap, spot any safety rule infractions, and make sure that everyone involved is held legally liable.
Once more, it stated that GMA will set up a high-level Casualty Investigations Committee very away in order to conduct a thorough inquiry.
According to the statement, the committee’s conclusions will guide immediate enforcement actions to stop such tragedies on inland waterways from happening again.
In order to make sure that all boats, particularly those that are operating at night, completely adhere to the rules for operational permits, required lifejacket use, and passenger restrictions, the GMA announced that it was beginning a comprehensive and ongoing lakeside safety enforcement campaign.
Boats that are discovered to be in egregious violation of safety regulations will be impounded, and their operators will face legal action.
The dead families and the Kete Krachi community, who are dealing with an unfathomable loss, have received the Ghana Maritime Authority’s deepest and “most heartfelt condolences.”
The nation’s heart is forever wounded by the overwhelming number of young lives lost.
The GMA reiterates its steadfast dedication to enhancing and rigorously implementing safe water transportation in all Volta Lake areas.
Source: newsthemegh.com