Some of the bodies of the victims
Nine people, including three wives and five children of a man have been confirmed dead after a boat capsized on the Volta Lake at Yeji in the Pru East District of the Bono East Region.
Initial investigative findings of the incident which occurred on the morning of Thursday, April 9, 2026, suggested that the boat, carrying 16 passengers, was struck by an early morning storm while travelling to Kongo in the Savannah Region.
Five of the passengers were rescued, while some of the victims were recovered following search efforts. However, two more victims—a woman and a child, are yet to be found, according to authorities.
Preliminary reports indicate that 11 of those on board were members of the same family.
Salaga District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gabriel Kofi Alorsey, who confirmed the incident, said the disaster had left devastating consequences for affected families.
According to him, one of the victims lost three wives, five children and his mother in the tragedy.
Further details from the Savannah Regional Crime Officer, ASP Richard Osei, indicated that the boat is believed to have been overloaded, with none of the passengers wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
He explained that before the arrival of the police, all nine bodies had already been buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
Rescue/Search Efforts Underway
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to retrieve the remaining bodies, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has confirmed.
According to the Authority, rescue teams are working diligently to locate the missing bodies, although conditions on the water continue to pose challenges.
The exact cause of the incident is yet to be fully established, but authorities say investigations are underway.
Meanwhile, officials have reiterated the need for strict adherence to safety protocols on inland waterways, including the use of life jackets and compliance with passenger limits, to help prevent such tragedies.
A Daily Guide Report