This negligence has tragically come to light following a canoe accident about two weeks ago that claimed 16 lives, with mourners traveling from Okuma to Debume in the Krachi West, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory action.

Even after this tragedy, it seems that the enforcement of life jacket usage remains lax.

On a visit to the area, Adom News’ correspondent observed a worrying trend as both passengers and boat operators routinely neglect to wear life jackets that could potentially save their lives.

When questioned, one of the boat operators, known as “Owner,” shifted the blame onto the passengers, stating that they often refuse to wear the life jackets provided.

He even showed Adom News where some of the life jackets have been stored.

The operator claimed that passengers argue the jackets are uncomfortable and unhygienic, making them unwilling to wear them during their journeys.

However, safety experts emphasize that accidents can happen at any moment, and the lack of preparation leaves individuals vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of the river.

The Transport Minister, Joseph Bukhari Nikpe, had earlier suggested implementing penalties for non-compliance, which could serve as motivation for both boat operators and passengers to prioritize safety.

This ongoing negligence continues to put lives at risk in a region where water transport is vital.

Source: Obrempongba K. Owusu

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According to accounts, Goka Selorm (the deceased) went to the said resort with his friend to ‘while away time’ at about 5 pm on Thursday when the unfortunate incident occurred.

According to sources, they were cautioned by the security at the resort not to swim in the river.

A few moments later, the security man who was running errands received a distress call from the bar attendant about the drowning.

Reports indicate that the place the incident occurred was deep, a situation that might account for the sudden death.

“By the time people realised that he was in danger, it was too late,” an eyewitness told Citi News.

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Goka Selorm is the second of two children for his parents.

The body has been deposited at the Adidome District Hospital morgue.

The victims, Stephen Amponsah, 16, and Richard Nii Noi, 17, joined their families to attend a funeral over the weekend at Adome near Senchi in Asuogyaman District.

However, they decided to swim in the Volta River but got drowned.

Their bodies were retrieved and deposited at the VRA Hospital mortuary by the Police and officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation.

Drowning incidents are common in the Volta River and other parts of the Eastern Region particularly in the mining communities owing to abandoned pits filled with water.

In May this year, for example, an unidentified dead body was retrieved from the Adomi bridge stretch of the Volta River. Also in July, a 23-year-old woman identified as Atsupe Hamah drowned in the same river.

Similarly, on November 5, 2021, two friends drowned in the Osubin waterfalls at Begoro in the Fanteakwa North District.

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The two were identified as Kwaku Owusu, about 26 years and Kofi Kyei Mensah, 28.

On November 8, 2021, an unidentified man also drowned in a river at Akyem Abekwase in the Atewa West District.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), drowning is a major public health problem worldwide.

WHO estimates that 236, 000 people died from drowning in 2019 making it the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths.

The injuries accounted for almost 8% of total global mortality.

The decomposing body of the deceased was found floating on the river at about 10:40 am.

A team, made up of Police Personnel, Environmental Health Officers, and National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) went to the scene to retrieve the body.

Due to the bad state of the body, the team secured death certificate from VRA Hospital signed by Dr Ebenezer Nartey the Medical Superintendent of the hospital for instant burial.

The deceased, believed to be between 35 to 40 years, was wearing brown long sleeves T-shirt and black trousers and is believed to have drowned in the river.

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Dead bodies are intermittently found floating on the Volta River which is inundated with recreational activities, and fishing.

The Volta River also has beaches and hotels along its banks.