Lake tragedy: Could the tragedy have been prevented? NADMO points to safety lapses

The Savannah Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Zakaria Mohammed, has confirmed that search efforts are still ongoing for one missing boat following a deadly boat accident on the Volta Lake.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (10 April), Mohammed disclosed that one of the initially missing persons had been retrieved overnight, leaving one more unaccounted for.

“As it stands now, we are left with one person to be found. The search is still ongoing,” he said.

Mohammed explained that the distress call was received through NADMO’s local community surveillance network, enabling a swift response.

“We have officers across communities who relay information quickly. Within minutes, our officers on the ground were alerted,” he noted.

However, he highlighted logistical challenges due to the remoteness of the affected community, located between districts in the Savannah Region.

“It is a very far community… but our officers were able to get there and provide the needed support,” he added.

Community, police supported rescue

Rescue efforts were supported by local fishermen and the Ghana Police Service, particularly given the area’s reliance on fishing activities.

“The community itself is largely made up of fishermen, so they supported the rescue efforts alongside the police,” Mohammed said.

Preliminary reports indicate that none of the passengers on board wore life jackets—an issue Mohammed described as a recurring problem.

“If those on board had life jackets, many of them would have survived,” he stressed.

He attributed repeated tragedies on inland waterways to weak enforcement of safety regulations.

“People do not comply unless laws are strictly enforced. Enforcement is what we need,” he said.

Boat operator in police custody

Mohammed confirmed that the boat operator is currently in custody assisting with investigations, as authorities probe possible negligence.

“The operator is with the police to assist in investigations,” he noted.

Call for multi-agency action

The NADMO director called for coordinated action among key institutions, including the Ghana Maritime Authority, local assemblies, and marine police units, to prevent future incidents.

“We need a committed, coordinated approach. Too many of these tragedies are happening—it is unacceptable,” he said.

He added that enforcing existing laws and possibly prosecuting offenders could serve as a deterrent.

“If the law is applied strictly, it will send a strong signal and help prevent future accidents,” he concluded.

The incident, which reportedly claimed multiple lives including women and children, has renewed concerns about safety compliance on Ghana’s inland waterways, particularly on the Volta Lake—one of the country’s busiest transport routes.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as rescue teams continue efforts to locate the last missing victim.