Nine people, including women and children, have been confirmed dead following a canoe accident on the Volta Lake near Mataiko in the East Gonja District of the Savannah Region.
The victims were among 16 passengers travelling from Yeji to a community known as Congo when the canoe capsized after encountering stormy weather on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Five male passengers were rescued, while search efforts were still ongoing as of Friday morning to locate others feared missing.
Tragedy unfolds on lake
The Salaga District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gabriel Kofi Alorsey, who confirmed the incident, said the disaster had left devastating consequences for affected families.
According to him, one of the victims lost three wives, five children and his mother in the tragedy.
Further details from the Savannah Regional Crime Officer, ASP Richard Osei, indicated that the deceased comprised seven children — five boys and two girls — and two women.
He explained that before the arrival of the police, all nine bodies had already been buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
ASP Osei added that the victims had set off from the Congo community when their canoe ran into a storm on the lake.
He said search teams were continuing efforts to trace the remaining missing passengers.
No life jackets worn
Meanwhile, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has expressed grave concern over the incident, noting that none of the passengers was wearing a life jacket, in breach of maritime safety regulations.
In a statement, the Authority said the absence of life jackets significantly contributed to the loss of lives.
It reiterated that the wearing of life jackets is mandatory for all water transport users and urged operators and passengers to strictly adhere to safety protocols.
The GMA added that it is monitoring the situation and collaborating with relevant agencies to support ongoing search-and-rescue efforts and investigations into the cause of the accident.
Recurring safety concerns
Boat accidents on the Volta Lake, particularly along the Yeji corridor, continue to raise concerns over safety standards, with incidents often linked to overloading, adverse weather and non-compliance with regulations.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh