Tragedy Strikes Kete Krachi: 15 Dead, Including 11 Children, in Devastating Boat Disaster
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on the Volta Lake near Kete Krachi in Ghana's Oti Region on Saturday, October 11, 2025, claiming the lives of 15 people, including 11 children. The boat, reportedly carrying mourners from a funeral, capsized while crossing the lake, leaving four survivors.
According to eyewitnesses, the wooden boat was grossly overloaded, with many passengers on board, when it capsized midway across the lake. The victims include children aged between two and fourteen years, and four adults.
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has launched an investigation into the incident, deploying a specialized team comprising Maritime Inspectors and members of the Navy Task Force to determine the cause of the accident and ensure accountability. A Casualty Investigations Committee will also be constituted in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport to review existing safety measures and recommend urgent policy reforms.
The GMA has expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the Kete Krachi community, emphasizing its commitment to safer water transport. "The GMA remains resolute in its commitment to safer water transport," the statement said. To prevent future occurrences, the Authority has launched a sustained lakeside safety enforcement operation, targeting unsafe practices on Volta Lake. Boats found to be overloaded or operating without safety gear will be seized, and their operators prosecuted.
The GMA is urging residents and commuters along the Volta Lake to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring their own safety. "Do not board any boat that is visibly overloaded or lacks lifejackets. Your refusal could save a life, especially a child's," the Authority advised.
The victims include 11 children aged between 2 and 14 years (5 males, 6 females) and 4 adults (3 women, 1 man) aged between 18 and 64 years. Four adults survived the disaster and were treated and discharged.
The Ghana Maritime Authority described the incident as "heartbreaking" and extended its "deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the Kete Krachi community enduring this unimaginable loss".
Source - Lead News Online/Leticia Okpoti
