Vice President Professor Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has adopted a survivor of the River Oti boat disaster and her baby in a heartwarming show of solidarity with victims of the tragedy that claimed 15 lives in the Oti Region.
In addition to the adoption, the vice president presented relief items and financial support to affected families during a visit to the community of Okuma–Debume.
The relief package included:
- 200 life jackets
- 4 bales of second-hand clothing
- 70 cartons of Frytol oil
- 100 bags of rice
- 10 cartons of soap
- 100 bales of mosquito nets
- GH¢200,000 in cash
Addressing community members, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called on residents living along riverbanks to prioritise the use of life jackets to reduce fatalities during boat journeys.
“Wearing life jackets can significantly reduce the risk of fatalities in water accidents,” she emphasised.
“There must be a behavioural change towards water safety. Life jackets should be worn at all times while on the lake.”
Helen Adwoa Ntoso, Member of Parliament for Krachi West, cautioned boat operators to adhere strictly to safety protocols, particularly regarding passenger capacity.
She stressed that overloading boats beyond the designated capacity line poses grave dangers to passengers and urged operators to prioritise safety over profit.
The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government and the Vice President’s delegation for their timely support.
“This gesture shows the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens, especially in times of distress,” he said.
The tragic accident occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025, when a speedboat carrying 19 passengers capsized while travelling from Okumakrua to Debume for a funeral.
Fifteen people, including three children aged between two and four years, lost their lives. The children were buried instantly at the shore of the lake.
The bodies of three victims were sent to the Kete Krachi Government Hospital mortuary, while nine others were deposited at the Worawora Government Hospital mortuary.
Survivor Kwasi Aborga recounted the harrowing incident:
“There were 17 of us in the boat. Only two of us managed to swim out alive.”
He said he later helped retrieve bodies from the lake, describing the scene as “terrible and unforgettable”.
Authorities have attributed the disaster to overloading and the unstable balance of the boat.
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