Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has donated relief items and cash support to families affected by last Saturday’s deadly canoe accident on the River Oti in the Krachi West Municipality of the Oti Region.
She also urged residents and boat operators to make it mandatory for all passengers to wear life jackets when travelling on the river to prevent future tragedies.
The Vice President, who visited the Okuma community on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to commiserate with the bereaved families, presented 200,000 Ghana cedis on behalf of the government, along with 200 life jackets, 10 cartons of soap, 30 cartons of Frytol, 100 mosquito nets, 200 blankets, and 100 bags of rice.
She assured the affected families that government will cover the cost of funerals for the deceased and pay the medical bills of survivors currently receiving treatment at various health facilities.
Addressing the community, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the importance of safety on Ghana’s waterways, urging boat operators to ensure that every passenger wears a life jacket before boarding.
She said this simple precaution could save lives and prevent such tragedies from recurring.
“This incident is a painful loss for the entire nation. We must do everything possible to make sure it never happens again. I urge all of you to wear life jackets whenever you cross the river. Safety must come first,” she advised.
The Vice President was accompanied by the Board Chair of COCOBOD, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo; the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe; the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong; officials of the Ghana Maritime Authority and NADMO; and regional executives of the National Democratic Congress.
