The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced that government is establishing a new inland waterway safety office at Akosombo as part of efforts to improve safety, regulation, and monitoring of transport activities on Ghana’s waterways.
Delivering his address at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, the Minister explained that the new facility will be tasked with coordinating safety inspections, enforcing operational standards, and providing emergency response support for boats and ferries operating on the Volta Lake and other inland waterways.
“This new office at Akosombo will strengthen the enforcement of safety regulations and provide timely response to incidents on our waterways. It will also enhance the capacity of our safety officers who are already deployed along the Volta Lake to monitor boat operations and protect passengers,” Mr. Nikpe said.
He noted that water transport remains an important means of travel for many communities in Ghana, particularly those in the Volta, Eastern, Bono East, and Northern Regions, where the Volta Lake serves as a major transportation route.
However, frequent accidents, poor compliance with safety rules, and lack of life jackets have long posed serious risks to passengers.
The Minister revealed that in addition to opening the Akosombo office, government has increased the presence of trained safety officers along the Volta Lake corridor.
These officers are mandated to inspect boats, ensure operators meet safety requirements, and strictly enforce the wearing of life jackets before departure.
“Too many lives have been lost in avoidable accidents on our inland waterways. By investing in safety offices, officers, and monitoring systems, government is determined to reverse this trend and make inland water transport safer and more reliable,” he emphasized.
Mr. Nikpe also announced plans to develop a coastal water transport system that will connect key coastal towns and cities.
According to him, this initiative is aimed at reducing pressure on the road network, cutting travel times, and opening up new trade and tourism opportunities.
“These interventions are not stand-alone. They are part of the broader Resetting Ghana Agenda for the transport sector, which seeks to modernize infrastructure, enhance safety, and reduce the cost of travel for our citizens,” the Minister added.
The inland waterway safety office at Akosombo is expected to be operational within the coming months, with government assuring that it will be adequately resourced to carry out inspections, training, and public sensitization campaigns.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh
