Accra: The Ministry of Transport has announced a strict new policy requiring all individuals to wear life jackets before traveling on inland waterways, with those refusing to comply being barred from travel. Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the sector Minister, announced this policy during the commissioning of 200 Water Safety Guards and the launch of the Life Jacket Safety and Livelihood Initiative in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative was launched by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), which falls under the Ministry of Transport's oversight. The initiative aims to ensure that no citizen is left without a life jacket while crossing water bodies by offering subsidized sales, rental schemes, and a hybrid of outright sale and rental of life jackets.
The Minister emphasized that this policy is part of President Mahama's agenda to restore order, accountability, and safety on Ghana's waterways, aiming to prevent tragedies like the 2024 incident in Saboba that resulted in the deaths of 70 students. He highlighted the importance of Ghana's rivers and wetlands for connecting farms to markets, children to schools, and families to healthcare, despite past tragedies.
Reflecting on past incidents, the Minister recounted a tragedy two years ago that saw 70 students drown and a recent incident in Kete-Krachi involving families. He stated that President Mahama insisted on ending such deaths, leading to the recruitment and training of community-based safety personnel by the Ministry and GMA.
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Captain Rtd), Director-General of GMA, noted that deploying 200 guards signifies a proactive approach to addressing water safety challenges. He described the initiative as a cultural reset for Ghana's inland transport sector, emphasizing that true safety is vital for national development.
Dr. Ali urged boat operators to collaborate with the guards, emphasizing that the GMA's mission is to ensure all passengers wear life jackets before departure. He encouraged commuters to cooperate with the guards to make the policy successful.
Mr. Jacob Kabore Tetteh Ageke, President of the National Inland Canoe Fishermen Council, expressed full support for the initiative. Speaking on behalf of local communities, he assured compliance at all crossing points and pledged to support the 200 Water Safety Guards deployed by the GMA.
Mr. Ageke highlighted the importance of local cooperation in enforcing the policy, noting that compliance will improve when passengers and operators see guards as partners. He called for public education on water safety and the protection of safety equipment, committing to raising awareness and educating people about inland water safety.