A devastating tragedy has rocked the Lawra municipality following the death of seven students who drowned in the Black Volta River near Dikpe, a border community close to Burkina Faso.
The victims, all students of Lawra Senior High School, had attempted to cross the river but never made it to the other side. Their disappearance on Saturday sent shockwaves across the Upper West Region, sparking an outpouring of grief.
Member of Parliament for Lawra, Hon. Bede A. Ziedeng, shared in the sorrow of the community, offering his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, fellow students, and school staff. He described the incident as heartbreaking and urged everyone to be more cautious in their daily lives.
He further stressed that the loss should serve as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of safety, especially among young people navigating unfamiliar environments.
In light of the incident, Hon. Ziedeng made an urgent call to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to step in with practical support. He appealed for the distribution of life jackets to residents of Dikpe and other nearby communities that depend on river transport for their daily activities.
The MP also announced that a delegation would soon visit the affected school and families to personally express his condolences and provide support in this difficult time.
The heartbreaking loss of the seven students has reignited demands for stronger safety measures along Ghana’s waterways, particularly in rural communities where river travel remains a necessity.
