Ghana lacks comprehensive water transport regulation – Bureau of Public Safety

The Executive Director of the Bureau of Public Safety, Dr. Nana Yaw Akwada, has expressed concern over the country’s failure to establish a proper regulatory framework for water transport following the Kete Krachi boat disaster that claimed 15 lives, including 11 children.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Monday, October 13, Dr. Akwada said the tragic incident highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive policy to govern water transport safety and operations across the country.

“It is evident now that as a country, we lack a comprehensive regulatory regime for water transport, especially for passenger services,” he said.

He called for urgent action to develop and implement a comprehensive framework for water transport safety, emphasising accountability and proactive regulation to prevent future tragedies.

Dr. Akwada commiserated with the families of the victims and criticised the responses from key authorities, describing them as inadequate and repetitive.

Read also: 11-year-old was controlling the boat in Kete Krachi disaster – NADMO

He noted that discussions around safety on the Volta Lake and other inland waterways have been ongoing for years without meaningful progress, despite recurring accidents and loss of lives.

“This issue is not new, and I’m glad how you pressed the Minister, the DCE, and the NADMO officials. These are not new problems. Yet, in the wake of another tragedy, all we get are visits and condolences,” he lamented.

Dr. Akwada also questioned the country’s reactive approach to such disasters, noting that they often disrupt national activities without addressing the root causes.

“Now we’re told that the Vice President will travel to the area to commiserate with victims’ families. Meanwhile, a lot of government business in Accra will be put on hold. That’s what happens each time — condolences, but no systemic change,” he said.

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