Boat operators and commuters at Dambai shun life jackets despite directives

Boat operators and commuters at Dambai in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region are ignoring government directives on the mandatory use of life jackets on the Volta Lake, raising serious safety concerns.

The disturbing development comes just two weeks after a fatal canoe accident that claimed 16 lives.

The victims, mostly mourners travelling from Okuma to Debume in the Krachi West Municipality, drowned when their canoe capsized — a tragedy that shocked the nation and reignited calls for stronger enforcement of safety laws.

During a visit to the Dambai landing site, Adom News’ Obrempongba Owusu observed that both passengers and boat operators continue to disregard safety measures.

Dozens of passengers were seen boarding canoes without wearing life jackets, even though the protective gear was available on site.

When confronted, one of the boat operators, who identified himself as Owner, blamed passengers for their refusal to comply.

He explained that many commuters refuse to wear the life jackets provided, arguing that the gear is “uncomfortable and unhygienic”, and therefore prefer to travel without them despite the obvious risks.

Safety experts have warned that accidents on the Volta Lake can occur without warning, and the lack of preparedness continues to expose commuters to the unpredictable and often deadly nature of the river.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukhari Nikpe, has hinted at introducing penalties for non-compliance.

READ ALSO: Gov’t vows to prosecute culpable boatmasters after tragic Volta Lake disaster

In an exclusive interview on JoyNews on Monday, October 20, Mr Nikpe detailed new measures being implemented, including arrest and prosecution.

“Now, what our safety guys will do is to ensure that they will look at the capacity of each boat. That is to prevent overloading. And again, when all passengers are on board, they are all supposed to wear life jackets before the boat will be allowed to move,” he said. “We will now begin to prosecute boat owners and operators.”

He believes sanctioning both passengers and operators who flout the directive will be critical to improving safety standards on Ghana’s waterways.

The Volta Lake remains a vital link between communities in the Oti Region and beyond, but without a firm change in safety culture, its waters risk becoming a symbol of preventable loss rather than livelihood.

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