A five-day capacity-building training programme for boat owners and operators aimed at combating rising inland water accidents ended at Dambai in the Oti Region last week. 

The programme, organised by the Ghana Life Saving and Diving Association (GLSDA), in collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), was attended by 50 boat owners and operators.

It focused on navigation, emergency response and safety protocols due to frequent water-related accidents in the region.

The Oti Region is almost surrounded by the Volta Lake and its tributaries.

The participants' swimming capabilities, to ensure their readiness to perform rescue operations during emergencies, were critically assessed as part of the programme.

Addressing the ceremony, the President of the GLSDA, David Kwasi Afezame, stressed the ongoing challenges facing the region’s transportation sector.

This, he said, was compounded by the overloading of passengers and goods and the poor quality of engines and fuel.

“Some boats carrying up to 100 passengers rely on 40-horsepower engines. Such conditions place excessive strain on their machinery, leading to frequent breakdowns and accidents”, he noted.

Mr Afezame specifically mentioned that an overloaded boat powered by an under-capacity engine was a common cause of frequent breakdowns and accidents. He also stated that fuel adulteration and the scarcity of life jackets contributed to these accidents.  

Stronger partnership

The Head of the Inland Water Transportation Office of the GMA, Captain Clifford Osei Agyarko, called for a stronger partnership to ensure that strict monitoring measures were implemented to address challenges such as overloading and outdated equipment.

The Technical Director in charge of Training at the GMA, Patrick Hector, said continuous skills development programmes were vital to addressing the challenges faced by boat owners and operators.

This, Mr Hector said, would enhance their capabilities to respond effectively during emergencies. 

The Chairman of the Boat Owners Association, Clement Cheke, praised the organisers and the GMA, describing the programme as timely and vital for enhancing safety on the Volta Lake.

He urged the government to subsidise the cost of outboard motors to ensure safe operations across the region, as they were the main means of transportation.