Nine Children drown at Faanaa-Wiabomaa

On the Wednesday, 11^th May 2023, nine (9) children died tragically on the island settlement of Faanaa-Wiabomaa, Weija in the Ga South Municipality of Greater Accra on their way home from school when the canoe they were using to cross the river crashed and capsized, drowning all of them. The children’s ages ranged from five (5) to thirteen (13) years.

This situation is sad and regrettable and CDS Africa commiserates with all the families that lost their young, loved ones.

Authorities launched an investigation into the incident and found out that the owner of the canoe involved in the accident declined to convey the school children but rather assigned the task of paddling the boat to the other side of the river’s banks to one of the students, a 13-year-old. It is without doubt that this incident could have been prevented with proper safety measures, such as the provision of life jackets and the prohibition of travel when it is determined to be unsafe, as well as  collective, concerted efforts from both authorities and policy makers in ensuring that such needless deaths are avoided.

This is one among the many such accidents on our water bodies that trend for a period and is quickly forgotten about. Sadly, these past incidents have led to little reforms and policies in the Water Transport Industry in Ghana.

Very often many souls perish in water bodies due to faulty equipment, lack of proper training for operators, stumps in the water bodies, lack of life jackets and total disregard for safety measures. The absence of adequate infrastructure, accountability and safety precautions near water bodies puts commuters at risk.

Many children cross rivers, streams, and other bodies daily, especially in rural areas, in order to get to school. However, because there are no bridges or secure walkways and other safe transportation options, commuters, especially young children, are forced to navigate dangerous routes, which raises

the risk of catastrophic drownings. It is very unfortunate that children lose their lives in a bid to claim their right to education.

As a Civil Society Organization dedicated to socio economic development, CDS AFRICA urges all stakeholders in the water transportation industry such as the Volta River Authority, the Ministry of Harbours and Railways, Ghana Maritime Authority and government to formulate policies and legislation, ensure proper implementation of existing policies and safeguard the effective management of safety on the Volta Lake and all other water bodies in Ghana.

Excellent transport equipment, the mandatory wearing of life jackets for commuters as well as compulsory training for boat operators are some measures that can ensure safety in the water transport industry.

Lastly, the right to education by every child in communities around the water bodies should not be exercised at the detriment of their lives. Children who have to commute on rivers and lakes for education need proper orientation on water safety and their respective schools should, as a matter of necessity, introduce it in their school’s curriculum.