Gender Ministry mourns Volta Lake tragedy, deploys support for affected families
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has expressed deep sorrow following the fatal boat accident on the Volta Lake that has claimed several lives, including women and children, with others still unaccounted for.
In a statement issued on April 10, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, extended her condolences to families affected by the disaster and assured them of government support.
The Minister has directed the Department of Social Welfare, working with relevant district authorities, to urgently engage affected families to provide psychosocial support and assess their immediate needs.
“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable families receive the care, protection and support they need in times of crisis,” the statement read. “The Ministry stands in solidarity with all affected persons and assures them that no one will be left behind.”
Renewed call for safety compliance
The Ministry also reiterated the need for strict adherence to safety measures in water transport, stressing that compliance with regulations remains critical in preventing such incidents.
The accident, which occurred on April 8 between Sikakope and Mataiko communities on the Volta Lake, has so far resulted in nine confirmed deaths. According to the Ghana Maritime Authority, none of the passengers on board was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
Search efforts ongoing
Search and recovery operations are still underway, led by the Ghana Navy in collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority, as efforts continue to locate missing persons.
The Ministry’s intervention comes amid renewed concerns over recurring boat accidents on the Volta Lake, often linked to poor safety practices and non-compliance with maritime regulations.
