The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has strongly condemned a recent incident captured in a viral video circulating on social media that shows an overcrowded boat dangerously packed with passengers on the Volta Lake, none of whom were wearing life jackets.
In a statement signed by the Authority’s Corporate Communications Officer, Issah Issahaku on Thursday, 24 July, 2025 the GMA described the incident as a “blatant disregard for safety protocols,” despite years of public education and enforcement campaigns aimed at curbing such dangerous practices.
“This incident is not just disappointing it is dangerous and unacceptable. It undermines all the investments and efforts made to safeguard lives on our inland waterways,” the statement emphasised.
The video comes in the wake of a tragic boat disaster in Dikpe, Lawra Municipality, in the Upper West Region, which claimed the lives of seven students earlier this year.
The GMA noted that the recent incident serves as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of ignoring safety regulations.
Following the Dikpe tragedy, the Authority responded by distributing life jackets to high-risk communities including Dikpe, Brifo, Brifo Chaa, Bagir and Gombile, and has been engaged in sustained efforts to prevent similar accidents.
Safety Measures
Despite the challenges, the GMA reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing safety on Ghana’s inland waterways – lifelines for thousands of Ghanaians, especially those living in rural and riverine communities.
Among its key interventions, the Authority has:
- Cleared over 20,000 tree stumps from major navigational routes on Volta Lake, reducing the risk of collisions and boat capsizing. Affected areas include:
o Dambai-Njare
o Yeji-Makango
o Yeji-Awujakope
o Tunpunjah Island-Kudorkpoe
o Kudorkope-Dambai
o Bridge-Ano-Ntoaboma
- Launched nationwide safety sensitization campaigns, including life jacket distribution, safety education, and loadline marking in communities such as Bui, Buipe, Kwamikrom, Deifuor, Mepe, and Battor.
- Conducted similar campaigns last year in Elubo, Nzulezu, Ekye Amanfrom, Adawso, Kotosu, Yeji, Kete-Krachi, Dzemeni, and Akateng.
Additionally, the GMA is stepping up search and rescue operations with the deployment of its vessel, MV Nene Azumah Matey Korley, to Kpando-Torkor to complement enforcement efforts already ongoing with the support of the Ghana Navy in Dambai and Yeji.
Leadership & Advocacy
The Director-General of GMA, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, has personally led advocacy and inspection tours to high-risk zones such as Akosombo, Dambai, Yeji, Kete-Krachi, and Tamale to engage stakeholders on the importance of safety compliance.
“Safety on our waterways is non-negotiable. It is troubling to see such flagrant disregard for life after our extensive investments and campaigns. We urge everyone operators and passengers alike, to take personal responsibility for their lives and safety,” Dr. Ali stated
He further cautioned boat operators against breaching safety protocols, warning that the Authority will take swift enforcement actions against any violations.
The GMA is urging both operators and passengers to be vigilant and proactive. Boat owners must ensure their vessels are not overloaded and that all passengers wear certified life jackets before departure. Passengers, in turn, are encouraged to refuse boarding if these conditions are not met.
“This is a shared responsibility. No one should gamble with their life on the water. Collective vigilance is the only way to achieve the national goal of zero preventable accidents,” the statement stressed.
The Ghana Maritime Authority’s ongoing efforts reflect a multi-pronged strategy involving enforcement, education, infrastructure improvement, and community engagement.
However, the Authority maintains that the success of these interventions depends heavily on public cooperation.
