Some residents crossing the river in a canoe without life jackets
Residents of Mepe, a community along the banks of the Volta River in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, are calling on government and relevant authorities to urgently provide life jackets to canoe owners and passengers who rely on the river for daily transport.
According to the residents, the provision of life jackets will significantly reduce the risk of drowning and other accidents as they cross the Volta Lake, which serves as a major route connecting communities for trade, schooling, and other socio-economic activities.
Mr. Kwesi Agblegbo, a regular user of the river, stressed the importance of life jackets in saving lives during emergencies, saying, “We use the river every day, and accidents can happen at any time. If we have life jackets, it will help protect us, especially in times of emergency.”
The Volta River remains one of Ghana’s most important water bodies, stretching across several regions and supporting livelihoods through fishing, farming, and transportation. However, the lack of adequate safety measures such as life jackets has long been a concern, particularly in Mepe, where many residents depend heavily on canoe transport.
Community members noted that the river, though a source of livelihood, has also claimed lives in the past due to accidents and capsizing of boats without safety gear. They believe government intervention and support from disaster management agencies, the Volta River Authority, and non-governmental organisations will help address the safety risks.
The residents are therefore appealing for immediate attention to their plight to ensure safer crossings on the Volta River.
FROM Daniel K. Orlando, Mepe