The Ghana Maritime Authority has confirmed the deaths of 15 people including 11 children in a boat accident on the Volta Lake near Kete Krachi in the Oti Region.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday October, 11.
According to a statement by the Authority, the boat which were carrying these individuals were overloaded and as a result, capsized while crossing the Volta Lake leaving only 4 survivors.
Sadly, out of the 11 children, 5 are males while 6 are females and are between the ages 2 to 14 years. Also, the 4 adults who lost their lives are between 18 to 64 years.
The incident took place around 1:30 PM, involving passengers who were on the boat believed to be returning from a funeral from Okuma to Bovime both in Krachi West District.
In a statement dated October 12, 2025, the Authority described the incident as an unfortunate and unacceptable violation of safety standards, emphasizing its dedication to complete transparency and prompt corrective measures.
It also revealed that an investigative team, including maritime safety inspectors and Navy Task Force members, have been sent to investigate the cause of the accident.
A committee will be set up to look into the incident, according to GMA.
The committee’s findings will guide immediate enforcement actions to avert the repetition of such tragedies on inland waterways.
The GMA announced the initiation of a comprehensive and ongoing lakeside safety enforcement operation aimed at ensuring that all boats, particularly those operating in the night, adhere strictly to passenger limits, mandatory lifejacket usage, and operational permit regulations.
