The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the government to urgently address safety concerns on Ghana’s inland waterways following the tragic boat accident on the Volta Lake that claimed 15 lives near Kete Krachi on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
In a statement signed by Hon. Kennedy Nyarko Osei, Ranking Member on the Roads and Transportation Committee, the Caucus reminded government of a US$150 million facility secured in 2020 from the Korean Exim Bank to modernise inland water transport and install floating pontoons for the Volta Lake Transport Limited (VLTL).
“This project is designed to transform the Volta Lake into a safe and efficient means for transporting people and cargo. We therefore demand that the current government treat this as a matter of national priority and urgently ensure these funds are disbursed for immediate execution,” the statement emphasized.
The group warned that any further delay would amount to a profound failure of the government’s responsibility to protect an estimated two million Ghanaians who depend on the lake for transportation and livelihoods.
The Minority also charged the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to intensify its regulatory oversight of inland water transport, particularly across the Volta Lake and Afram Plains routes.
“The GMA must immediately step up its mandate to regulate inland water transport. This must include strict registration of all pontoons and vessels, and rigorous enforcement of loading regulations to eliminate overloading,” Hon. Kennedy Osei stressed.
Describing the Volta Lake as a critical national asset, the Minority Caucus underscored the need to act decisively in memory of the victims and in the interest of millions of users.
The Caucus extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to take immediate and conclusive action to prevent further loss of life.
“We owe it to the memories of those we have lost, and to the about two million Ghanaians who continue to use the lake in their daily lives, to take urgent steps to ensure inland water transport safety,” the statement stressed.
