Leaking boat, overloading blamed for Volta Lake disaster — MCE

The Municipal Chief Executive for Krachi West, Prosper Addo, says preliminary investigations into the recent Volta Lake boat disaster have identified a leaking vessel, overloading, and the absence of life jackets as the main causes of the tragedy.

According to him, the boat involved in the accident was unfit for travel, had exceeded its passenger limit, and lacked basic safety equipment, all of which contributed to the scale of the disaster.

“Preliminary findings point to three key issues, first, the boat was leaking and therefore unfit for travel. Second, it was overloaded carrying more people than it could safely handle. And third, none of the passengers on board had life jackets,” Mr Addo revealed.

He added that Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is expected to visit the affected community to commiserate with the bereaved families and deliver relief items.

“The Vice President is coming to express government’s condolences to the families. She’ll also bring relief items for both the bereaved and the survivors. We are currently in the Okume community preparing for her visit,” he said.

The tragic accident, which occurred on October 11, claimed 16 lives, including that of an 11-year-old boy who was reportedly operating the canoe at the time.