The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has commissioned 200 Safety Guards and launched a nationwide Life Jacket Initiative aimed at strengthening safety on inland waterways and reducing the recurring boat disasters that have claimed lives across the country.
The initiative was officially launched on Tuesday at the Authority’s new office complex by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, alongside the GMA Board, Director-General Naval Captain (Rtd) Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Esq., and members of the Authority’s management team.
According to the GMA, the newly trained Safety Guards will be deployed to strategic landing sites and crossing points across the country to enforce safety regulations, particularly the Authority’s strict “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” policy.
The move comes amid persistent concerns over fatal boat accidents on rivers, lakes and other inland water bodies, many of which have been linked to overcrowding, poor safety compliance and the absence of life jackets for passengers.
As part of the intervention, the Authority unveiled a fresh stock of standard-compliant life jackets, which have been distributed to designated crossing points for use by commuters and other waterway users.
The initiative is expected to improve safety for thousands of passengers who rely on boats and canoes for transportation, especially in riverine communities where water transport remains a daily necessity.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali described the safety guards and life jackets as critical tools in protecting lives on Ghana’s waterways.
“Safety is everyone’s duty, but these guards and life jackets are our first line of defense. We urge everyone to cooperate fully and support these guards,” he said.
The Director-General has made water transport safety a key priority under ongoing efforts to reorganise and strengthen the Authority’s operations.
In the Upper West Region, the programme received a boost with the deployment of safety guards recruited largely from the Lawra and Nandom Municipalities and Wa West District, areas where communities depend heavily on water transport during parts of the year.
The regional commissioning was attended by the Members of Parliament for the three constituencies: Peter Lanchene Toobu, Wa West, Bede A. Ziedeng, Lawra, and Richard Kuuire, Nandom.
Authorities believe the combined deployment of safety personnel and life jackets will significantly reduce preventable deaths on inland waterways and help foster a stronger culture of safety among passengers and boat operators nationwide.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
