The government has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at ending preventable deaths on Ghana’s inland waterways, with the introduction of a strict new safety policy dubbed “No Life Jacket, No Travel.”
The initiative, unveiled in Accra by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, forms part of a broader effort to improve safety on rivers, lakes and other inland water transport routes across the country.
The programme includes the commissioning of 200 Inland Water Safety and Regulatory Officers and the distribution of 20,000 life jackets to communities that depend heavily on water transport for commerce, education, healthcare and other socio-economic activities.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr. Nikpe stressed that the era of relying solely on public awareness campaigns to promote water safety was over, insisting that stricter enforcement measures were now necessary to save lives.
“The policy is simple: No Life Jacket, No Travel,” the Minister declared.
“Education remains important, but we must add enforcement. We cannot continue to lose lives because people ignore basic safety measures.”
According to him, the intervention, spearheaded by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), demonstrates government’s commitment to protecting lives and securing the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians who rely on inland waterways every day.
“This is not merely a project rollout. It is a decisive statement of government intent to restore order, accountability and safety on our waterways,” he said.
The Minister noted that Ghana’s extensive inland water network, particularly the Volta Lake and numerous rivers across the country, serves as a critical transportation corridor connecting remote communities to schools, markets, healthcare facilities and economic opportunities.
While acknowledging the important role these waterways play in national development, he expressed concern about the recurring accidents that have claimed many lives over the years.
“Far too often, our water bodies have brought grief to families due to preventable accidents. Today, we are saying a big no to the needless deaths that occur on our waterways,” he stated.
Mr. Nikpe recalled several tragic incidents that highlighted the urgent need for stronger safety measures, including the drowning of 17 students during a river-crossing accident and other fatal incidents on the Volta Lake involving traders and families.
“These tragedies should never happen again. We owe it to our people to ensure that crossing a river to go to school, farm or market does not become a life-threatening exercise,” he emphasized.
As part of the initiative, 200 trained Inland Water Safety and Regulatory Officers have been deployed as the first batch of personnel tasked with enforcing safety regulations, educating passengers and operators, and monitoring compliance on inland waterways.
The officers, recruited from communities located along major water transport routes, will also support emergency response efforts and work closely with boat operators, district assemblies and traditional authorities.
Mr. Nikpe explained that recruiting personnel from the local communities was a deliberate strategy aimed at ensuring effective implementation of the programme.
“They understand the people and the waterways. This community ownership model will ensure effective enforcement and long-term sustainability,” he said.
A major component of the initiative is the distribution of 20,000 life jackets to improve passenger safety and increase compliance with maritime regulations.
To make the life-saving equipment accessible to all users of inland water transport, the Ghana Maritime Authority has adopted a three-pronged approach.
Under the first model, life jackets will be sold at heavily subsidized prices to individuals who wish to own one for regular use.
The second model involves a rental scheme through which passengers can rent life jackets at affordable rates from boat operators, community leaders and local assemblies.
The third option combines both sales and rental services, ensuring that every traveler has access to a life jacket before embarking on a journey.
The Transport Minister assured the public that regulatory authorities would work collaboratively with boat operators rather than adopting a punitive approach.
“We see boat operators as partners in this effort. Together, we can ensure that every passenger travels safely and returns home safely,” he stated.
He also commended Members of Parliament, district assemblies, traditional authorities and community leaders for their support in implementing the initiative.
According to him, the programme reflects government’s commitment to decentralization and community ownership, empowering local communities to actively participate in promoting safety and development.
Mr. Nikpe further acknowledged the role played by the Ghana Maritime Authority and its partners in designing the programme, training the newly commissioned officers and providing the logistical support required for its implementation.
Expressing optimism about the impact of the initiative, the Minister said the programme would significantly reduce accidents and fatalities on Ghana’s inland waterways while improving public confidence in water transport services.
He described the launch as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen transport safety and protect vulnerable communities that depend on water transportation daily.
“This is how we reset. This is how we protect lives. This is how we secure livelihoods,” he said.
“As we launch this initiative today, our message is clear: no more unnecessary loss of life on our waterways. Together, we will build a safer and more responsible inland water transport system for all Ghanaians.”
The nationwide rollout of the programme is expected to continue in phases across various regions, with additional safety officers and life jackets to be deployed to communities situated along major inland water routes.
By 1960news.com
