By Felix Cofie
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has confirmed a tragic boat accident on the Volta Lake near Kete Krachi in the Oti Region, which claimed multiple lives on the afternoon of Saturday, October 11, 2025.
The accident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. when a small passenger boat returning from a funeral at Okuma to Bovime in the Krachi West District capsized mid-journey.
15 Lives Lost — Majority Children
Preliminary investigations reveal that the boat was overloaded far beyond its safe operational capacity.
A total of 15 people lost their lives, including 11 children aged between 2 and 14 years (five males and six females). The remaining four victims were adults — three women and one man aged between 18 and 64 years.
Four other adults survived the incident.
The bodies of 12 victims have been deposited at the Kete Krachi and Worawora Government Hospital mortuaries, while three of the children have already been laid to rest.
GMA Launches Full Investigation
The Ghana Maritime Authority has described the incident as a critical and unacceptable breach of maritime safety standards. The Authority has announced a series of urgent actions:
Deployment of an Investigation Team
A specialised team of maritime safety inspectors and Navy Task Force personnel from Dambai has been deployed to the scene. The team will determine the exact cause of the accident, identify any safety violations, and ensure that all responsible parties are held fully accountable under the law.
Formation of a High-Level Casualty Investigations Committee
In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, the GMA will immediately establish a high-level committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The committee’s findings will guide strict enforcement reforms to prevent future tragedies on Ghana’s inland waterways.
Enhanced Safety Enforcement on Volta Lake
The GMA will begin a sustained lakeside safety operation to ensure that all passenger boats — especially those operating at night — comply with safety laws, including passenger limits, mandatory lifejacket use, and valid operational permits.
Boats found violating safety regulations will be impounded and their operators prosecuted.
Condolences and Public Safety Appeal
The Ghana Maritime Authority has extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Kete Krachi, describing the incident as a heart-wrenching national tragedy, particularly given the high number of children among the victims.
“The sheer number of young lives lost leaves an indelible pain on the heart of the nation,” the statement read.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safer water transport across all Volta Lake communities and appealed to residents and passengers to remain vigilant.
“Do not board any boat that is visibly overloaded or lacks lifejackets,” the GMA urged. “Your vigilance can save lives — especially those of children.”
The Ghana Maritime Authority pledged to uncover the root causes of the disaster and implement stronger preventive measures to ensure that no such tragedy ever occurs again.
Full statement below:
