Accra: The government of Ghana, through the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), has commissioned 250 safety guards to enforce regulations on commuting on inland water bodies in the country. The event also marked the launch of the 'Life Jacket for Safety and Livelihood Campaign', aimed at promoting life jacket usage and enhancing safety awareness among lake transport operators and users. This initiative included the commissioning of 20,000 life jackets.
According to Ghana Web, the two initiatives are part of efforts to curb boat accidents on the Volta Lake and other inland water bodies in the country. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, emphasized that these initiatives are integral to the government's reset agenda and are particularly important to President John Dramani Mahama. The President is concerned about the loss of life on inland waters and has directed efforts to reduce casualties significantly, inspiring these initiatives.
The 250 safety guards commissioned are the first batch to be deployed on inland water bodies across the country to ensure safety. The recruits were selected from the communities where they will be deployed, empowering local communities in the process.
Regarding the 'Life Jacket for Safety and Livelihood Campaign', the minister highlighted that the campaign ensures that every person commuting on inland water bodies wears a life jacket. The initiative provides life jackets at subsidized prices or for hire at very low rates to people living in inland communities.
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, urged community members, including boat operators, to collaborate with the safety guards. He emphasized that the project's objective is to save lives and improve safety standards on inland waterways. He encouraged boat operators to see the safety guards as partners. Additionally, he informed that life jackets can be purchased for as low as GHS200 or hired at a cost of GHS2.