The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has announced that beginning next year, the use of life jackets will be compulsory for all boat operators and passengers on the Volta Lake.
The directive is part of the Authority’s renewed efforts to strengthen safety measures and prevent fatalities on the lake, which remains a vital transport and fishing hub for many communities.
As part of the initiative, the GMA is procuring a large number of life jackets for vessels operating between the Kpando-Torkor Harbour and the Afram Plains. At present, some of the 150 boats and canoes in the area reportedly carry only two or three jackets each.
The Director-General of the GMA, Naval Captain Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Rtd.), disclosed this when he led a team from the Authority to inspect the yet-to-be-inaugurated harbour office and a newly deployed rescue boat, A. Martey Korley. He was accompanied by the GMA Board Chair, Jemilat Jawala Mahamah.
Dr. Ali described the Kpando-Torkor Harbour as a “national transport treasure” with huge potential to transform lives, stressing that safety on the lake would be strictly enforced.
“The use of life jackets will no longer be optional. Safety on the lake is non-negotiable,” he stated.
He noted that the arrival of the rescue vessel underscored President Mahama’s commitment to improving safety on the Volta Lake under the Reset Agenda and 24-Hour Economy initiative.
Dr. Ali also commended the Kpando-Torkor community for maintaining cordial relations with the Authority and urged residents to participate in upcoming public education campaigns on lake safety.
MP for Kpando welcomes directive
The Member of Parliament for Kpando, Sebastian Deh, lauded the move, saying adherence to safety protocols would boost the local fishing industry and spur economic growth.
“When safety improves, jobs will be created, businesses will thrive, and development will follow,” he said.
Meanwhile, some boat owners appealed for the rehabilitation of the road linking Kpando town to the harbour to facilitate trade and support market activities in the area.
