GMA announced the opening of a “full investigation” into the accident
At least 15 people, including 11 children, died on Saturday when a boat capsized on Lake Volta in eastern Ghana, according to the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
The disaster occurred on Saturday, near the Kete Krachi region, in the Oti region, when “the sinking of a vessel extremely overloaded” with passengers occurred, the GMA said in a statement released on Sunday night.
“The magnitude of this tragedy is heartbreaking: 11 of those killed are children – between the ages of 2 and 14. Four adults also died and four others survived,” the official said.
The GMA announced the opening of a “full investigation” that intends to send a specialized team, including maritime inspectors and Navy experts, to determine the cause and hold those involved accountable.
An accident investigation committee will also be created at the Ministry of Transport to ensure urgent changes to navigation policies.
“Operators who violate safety standards will be arrested and prosecuted and the vessels will be seized,” warned the regulatory body.
The GMA appealed to transport passengers on Lake Volta to ensure their safety by not using “vessels that are visibly overloaded or without life jackets”.
