Accra: The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) Director-General, Major (Rtd) Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, has assured residents of Okuma-Debume in the Krachi West Municipality that the government is taking the recent boat tragedy seriously. He emphasized that the Vice President's visit to the affected community demonstrated the government's commitment to addressing the issue.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Kuyon has been working tirelessly in Accra since the accident occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025. During the Vice President's visit to the bereaved families, Dr. Kuyon stressed that his primary focus was on reducing disasters in Ghana rather than merely reacting to them. He urged the public not to cast blame, acknowledging that the river serves as a means of livelihood for the community.
Dr. Kuyon also instructed his officers to conduct routine inspections to ensure the effective use of life jackets provided to the community. He highlighted the importance of prevention and preparedness in saving lives and minimizing damage.
Minister of Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, called on Ghanaians to abide by safety protocols on roads, lakesides, and other waterways, as the government mourned with the families of Okuma-Debume. The Minister announced that the ministry had opened an operational office at Kpando-Torkor in the Volta Region, equipped with a search and rescue vessel to aid in times of accidents on Volta Lake.
Mr. Nikpe revealed plans to recruit safety officers and deploy them to coastal communities along Volta Lake. He also announced the imminent opening of a coordinating office in Akosombo to oversee safety activities. The Minister urged citizens to prioritize safety and assured that the government will enforce safety regulations.
