The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) is pushing for the passage of a new Inland Water Regulation aimed at improving safety standards across the country’s inland waterways. The decision follows a tragic boat accident at on the Volta Lake in the Oti Region that claimed 16 lives over the weekend on 11th October, 2025. The boat was traveling from Okuma to Bovime in the Krachi West District.
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the GMA, disclosed the Authority’s intentions in an interview with on Noon Target on Bullet TV, emphasizing that the proposed legislation will introduce stricter safety protocols, including a minimum age requirement for boat operators.
“It will help to empower the law enforcement so that people can be held responsible, including prosecution. We expect to have a minimum age for manning a boat,” Dr. Ali stated.
The proposed regulation will also target commercial boat operations, mandating certification and training for operators.
“For those who are operating boats commercially, they will have a certificate or license that will show they have undergone training,” he added.
Public scrutiny has intensified following the October 11 incident near Kete Krachi, which brings the total number of reported boat accidents between 2023 and 2025 to at least nine; two of which occurred in September 2025 alone.
The Bureau of Public Safety has called on the Minister of Transport to take responsibility and provide clear answers on the measures being implemented to protect lives on Ghana’s waterways.
