Fifteen persons perish in boat accident at Krachi West 

Fifteen people, including three children, have lost their lives in a tragic boat accident that occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Krachi West Municipality of the Oti Region. 

The speedboat, which had 19 passengers onboard, was traveling from Okumakrua, an island community to another nearby island, Debume, for a funeral, when the incident occurred. 

Confirming the sad news to the media, Mr Frank Danso, the Krachi West Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), explained that the boat capsized around 12 noon, while crossing the Lake. 

According to him, the weather was cloudy, and strong winds began to blow when the boat reached the middle of the lake. Water started entering the vessel, and before the operators could control it, the boat sank. 

Mr Danso added that four people, made up of three women and a man, were rescued, while the 15 others got drowned. 

Three of the deceased have been deposited at the Kete Krachi Government Hospital morgue, and nine others at the Worawora Government Hospital mortuary.  

The three children aged between two to four years, were buried instantly at the shore of the Lake. 

Kwasi Aborga, survivor turned rescuer narrated that “There were 17 of us in the boat. Only two of us managed to swim out alive.”  

“I helped to retrieve some of the bodies myself. It was a terrible scene I can never forget.” 

Authorities say overloading and unstable balance were the primary causes of the accident. 

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has since cautioned boat operators and passengers to strictly adhere to safety regulations and avoid excess loading, especially during social events such as funerals and festivals. 

Out of the 15 casualties, 11 were children, five boys and six girls, while the remaining four were adults, including three women and a man. 

Officials confirmed that 12 of the deceased, including the children, were transported to the Kete Krachi and Worawora Government Hospital mortuaries, while three of the victims were buried shortly after the incident in accordance with local customs. 

Local residents and rescue volunteers, assisted by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), GMA and the Ghana Police Service, joined efforts to retrieve the bodies and support grieving families. 

“The community is in deep shock,” said a NADMO officer at the scene.  

“We have lost entire families. It’s a painful reminder of the dangers of unsafe travel on the Lake.” 

The tragic incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of maritime safety laws and the provision of life jackets and larger, safer vessels for communities that depend on the Volta Lake for transportation. 

Meanwhile, Mr Kwadwo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister, has offered condolences to the boat accident victims. 

“On behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana and the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic boat accident on the Oti Lake between Okumah and Debume in the Krachi West Municipality,” he added. 

He said per NADMO report, 20 passengers were on board – four survived, 16 sadly lost their lives. All the bodies were found except one body, which is missing amidst search efforts still ongoing. 

The entire Oti region is mourning with the affected families, together with the Member of Parliament, Madam Helen Ntoso, and Mr Prosper K. Addo, the Municipal Chief Executive of Krachi West, all of whom have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families.  

“We stand united in prayer and support, trusting that the Almighty will comfort the bereaved and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest.” 

Source: GNA  

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