Oti Region: Tragic Boat Accident Claims 15 Lives, Including 11 Children
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has officially confirmed that a devastating boat accident occurred near Kete Krachi in the Oti Region on Saturday, October 11, 2025, resulting in the tragic loss of fifteen lives, among them eleven children.
As per the GMA’s account, the ill-fated vessel, which was excessively overloaded, overturned while navigating a stretch of the Volta Lake. The deceased comprised children ranging in age from two to fourteen years, as well as four adults. Four individuals managed to survive the catastrophic incident.
In an official release, the Authority expressed profound sorrow, labeling the event as “heartbreaking” and conveying its “deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and the Kete Krachi community grappling with this profound and devastating loss.”
In response to the tragedy, the GMA has outlined a comprehensive set of measures aimed at addressing the incident and averting similar occurrences in the future. A dedicated team, consisting of Maritime Inspectors and personnel from the Navy Task Force, has been dispatched to thoroughly investigate the factors contributing to the accident and to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.
Furthermore, the GMA, in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, will establish a Casualty Investigations Committee tasked with evaluating current safety protocols and proposing immediate policy changes to enhance the safety of water-based transportation.
The Authority has also initiated a robust and ongoing lakeside safety enforcement campaign targeting hazardous practices on Volta Lake. Vessels found to be overloaded or operating without essential safety equipment, such as lifejackets, will be confiscated, and their operators will face legal consequences.
“The GMA is steadfast in its dedication to fostering safer water transportation systems,” the statement affirmed.
Additionally, the GMA is calling on residents and travelers along the Volta Lake to exercise heightened caution and take an active role in safeguarding their own well-being.
“Do not board any vessel that appears overloaded or is not equipped with lifejackets. Your decision to refuse could save lives, particularly those of children,” the Authority emphasized.
