The Member of Parliament for Salaga South Constituency, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimiah, has voiced serious concern in Parliament over the recent boat capsizing incident at Krachi West.
Speaking on the parliamentary floor, Hon. Ibrahimiah highlighted the daily anxiety faced by residents of lakeside constituencies along the Volta Lake, who live in constant fear of receiving distressing news about boat accidents, drownings, or capsizes. She described these tragedies as a collective pain shared by all communities bordering the lake.
Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimiah said she immediately contacted her constituency office and the MCE to determine if any Salaga South residents were affected. She added that the MCE reached out to his counterpart in Krachi West, who confirmed that no constituents from Salaga South were involved
She stressed that the incident extends beyond Krachi West alone. Given that Salaga South shares borders with Krachi West, and residents from both constituencies frequently live, work, and trade across the two areas, such accidents affect multiple communities as families and friends could easily be involved.
The MP called for a comprehensive and urgent approach to prevent recurring boat accidents on the Volta Lake. She urged the Ghana Maritime Authority to deploy safety vessels along the lake to provide immediate rescue and support whenever emergencies arise. According to her, one can travel the entire stretch of the lake from Dambai to Kete Krachi without encountering any emergency assistance for waterway users.
She also highlighted the critical dependence of lakeside communities on water transport. Boats are used to carry goods, ferry children to school, and transport pregnant women to health facilities in areas where clinics are unavailable, exposing residents to significant risks. Hon. Ibrahimiah noted that this situation reflects broader developmental gaps that demand a national response to ensure safety and relief for communities along the Volta Lake.
Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimiah further raised concerns over the poor condition and regulation of privately owned boats. She pointed out that many vessels are overused, especially during election periods when politicians rely on them for campaign activities. She recounted worrying incidents where children aboard leaking boats scoop water with buckets while in motion, warning that any moment of distraction could lead to a disaster.
Hon. Ibrahimiah urged authorities to enforce stricter safety and maintenance standards for all boats operating on the lake. She recommended a review of the licensing process, the introduction of mandatory safety inspections, and the implementation of comprehensive protocols to protect passengers.
Concluding her address, the MP expressed gratitude to the people of Krachi West for their support of victims during the tragedy. She noted that the responsibility for medical care, evacuations, and burial expenses often falls heavily on MPs.
She called for continued solidarity with lakeside communities, reminding Ghanaians that residents along the Volta Lake deserve protection, safety, and development.
Source: Elvisanokye.com