A boat disaster on the Volta Lake has claimed 15 lives near Kete Krachi in the Oti Region with only 4 survivors. According to a statement from the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) the boat which capsized was “grossly overloaded”. The casualties of the incident which happened on Saturday October 11, 2025 included 11 children aged between 2 to 14.
In the statement the GMA disclosed a specialized team, including Maritime Inspectors and the Navy Task Force, has deployed to establish the cause and hold all responsible parties fully accountable.
A high-level Casualty Investigations Committee will be constituted with the Ministry of Transport to ensure urgent policy changes according to the GMA.
The authority has warned boat operators breaching safety laws including overloading will be prosecuted.
“We are launching a sustained lakeside safety enforcement operation. Overloaded boats and operators violating safety laws will be seized and prosecuted”.
The GMA appealed to residents along the Volta Lake to act as a custodians of safety.
“DO NOT BOARD any boat that is visibly overloaded or lacks lifejackets. Your refusal could save a life, especially a child’s. We remain resolute in our commitment to safer water transport.” the statement concluded.
