Volta Lake Tragedy: 15 Fearsome Deaths, including 11 Children, As Boat Capsizes

October 21, 2025October 21, 2025 Isaac Boamah Darko

By: Doreen Boamah-Darko

A devastating maritime disaster has struck the Volta Lake, claiming the lives of 15 individuals, comprising 11 children and 4 adults, in a tragic boat accident near Kete Krachi in the Oti Region. The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) confirmed the incident, which occurred on Saturday, October 11, when a woefully overloaded wooden boat succumbed to the turbulent waters mid-journey.

YOUNG LIVES LOST

Preliminary reports indicate that the victims included 11 children aged between 2 and 14 years, while the remaining four were adults. Eyewitnesses alleged that the boat, carrying passengers and goods, exhibited visible signs of overloading prior to departure, but operators callously ignored warnings.

SURVIVORS AND RESPONSE

Four people survived the calamity and were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment and observation. Local rescue teams, assisted by community volunteers, recovered the bodies hours after the accident. The GMA has extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Kete Krachi community, describing the loss of so many young lives as “an unimaginable tragedy.”

GMA SPRINGS INTO ACTION

In response to the tragedy, the Ghana Maritime Authority has announced a series of decisive measures aimed at uncovering the causes of the accident and preventing future occurrences. A specialized investigation team has been dispatched to the site, and the Authority will work with the Ministry of Transport to establish a High-Level Casualty Investigations Committee.

LAWSUIT AND ENFORCEMENT

The GMA has also launched a sustained lakeside enforcement operation to curb safety violations. Overloaded boats and non-compliant operators will be seized and prosecuted in accordance with maritime safety laws. The Authority has urged citizens to exercise vigilance and prioritize safety over convenience.

A RECURRING SAFETY CHALLENGE

The Volta Lake has been the site of several fatal boat accidents over the years, often linked to overloading, poor vessel maintenance, and lack of lifejackets. This latest disaster highlights the urgent need for strict adherence to safety protocols, improved operator training, and consistent monitoring of passenger vessels.

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