A tragic Volta Lake boat disaster has claimed the lives of 15 mourners.
Reports suggest the tragic incident happened at the Krachi West District of the Oti Region when the canon capsized on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims were heading to a funeral when water began seeping into the canoe between Okuma-Akura and Debume.
The Assembly Member for the area revealed that about 21 people were on board at the time.
Fifteen of the twenty-one people have been confirmed dead, while six others were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Reports suggest the survivors have since been discharged.
The tragic incident has plunged the entire community into mourning.
However, it has been alleged that the canoe was being operated by a 14-year-old boy
Meanwhile, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has confirmed that 15 lives have been lost in a tragic boat accident near Kete Krachi on Saturday, October 11.
According to the Ghana Maritime Authority, of the 15 lives, 11 of them are children aged between 2 and 14.
The GMA described the incident as heartbreaking and extended its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the Kete Krachi community.
The Ghana Maritime Authority, in a statement dated October 12, 2025, issued on Sunday evening, stated, “most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the Kete Krachi community, who are enduring an unimaginable loss. The sheer number of young lives cut short leaves an indelible pain on the heart of the nation.
The GMA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to improving and strictly enforcing safe water transport across all communities along the Volta Lake”.
We appeal to every citizen, community elder, and family member living along the lakeshore to act as vigilant custodians of safety— do not board any boat
that is visibly overloaded or lacks lifejackets. Your vigilance and refusal could save lives, especially those of children.
The GMA remains resolute to unravelling the root causes of this disaster and implementing measures to ensure that no such tragedy ever occurs again on
the Volta Lake”, it added.
The GMA further revealed plans to prevent future tragedies: “A full investigation involving maritime inspectors and the Navy Task Force to determine the cause of the accident and hold those responsible accountable.
The formation of a high-level Casualty Investigations Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport to propose urgent policy reforms.
Enhanced enforcement operations along the Volta Lake, with a focus on seizing and prosecuting overloaded boats and operators who flout safety regulations”.