Govt commiserates with families of Krachi boat disaster victims - Veep donates 600 life jackets to community
The government would bear the full cost of the burial of the victims of last Saturday’s boat disaster on the Volta Lake which claimed 16 lives, including 11 children.
Also, the government would ensure that rapid support is provided for survivors and their families.
The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, made this known when she led a delegation to visit Okumah, a community in the Krachi West Municipality in the Oti Region, where the disaster occurred.
The accident, which occurred last Saturday, led to the perishing of 16 persons, 11 of them children, aged between two and 14.
Support
The visit was to commiserate with families of the victims and community members.
As a show of support, the Vice-President also donated 650 life jackets and other relief items to support both the bereaved and survivors of the incident.
The vests are made up of 200, donated by the Office of the President, 400 from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and 50 from the Ghana Maritime Authority.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was accompanied by the Policy Advisor, Political Affairs, Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, and other officials.
National loss
Speaking to the community and families of the deceased, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang described the tragedy as a national loss, adding that it had touched the hearts of all Ghanaians.
“On behalf of the government, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the affected community and all who have been impacted by this tragedy,” she said.
“We stand with you in this moment of grief,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang added.
Solidarity
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, particularly the children, describing the tragedy as a painful reminder of the challenges facing riverine communities.
“Whatever has happened is to all of us. It does not affect only the bereaved families; it has affected the entire nation.
When we heard the news, we were very sad.
It was not a good one, so we decided to come and see for ourselves, so that we can determine what measures to put in place to ensure the safety of our people.”
Appeal: Wear life jackets
The Vice-President, however, appealed to boat operators and passengers to prioritise safety by making the use of life jackets mandatory for all water travellers.
“Please, let us all wear life jackets.
They have a way of protecting us. Let’s ensure that our passengers also wear them whenever they travel on the water,” she added.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed the importance of collaboration between communities and the government to prevent future tragedies.
“We cannot tell people to stop what they are doing because it is dangerous; that is their livelihood.
Instead, we must work together to find safer ways of doing it.
As a government, it is our responsibility to identify the challenges and work with you to resolve them.
But we will also need your support to make this possible,” she stated.
Show compassion
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called on the nation to show compassion and solidarity with the affected families, encouraging citizens to unite in support of the victims.
“Let us all show love and support to the bereaved families.
Together, we will overcome this tragedy,” she stressed.
The Vice-President also assured the community of the government’s solidarity, stating, “We want you to know that you are not alone in this situation.
We are with you and stand with you in this difficult moment.
God is the only one who can truly protect and save us from any situation.”
