Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has announced that the government will bear the full cost of burial for the 16 victims who lost their lives in the Okumah boat accident at Kete Krachi in the Oti Region.
The Vice President made the announcement when she met with the bereaved families and community members to offer condolences on behalf of the government and present relief items to support those affected.
The relief package included 200 life jackets, four bales of second-hand clothing, 70 cartons of Frytol cooking oil, 100 bags of rice, 10 cartons of soap, 100 bales of mosquito nets, and GH¢200,000 in cash.
Addressing residents of Okuma–Debume, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged communities living along riverbanks to embrace a strong culture of safety by consistently wearing life jackets when travelling on the lake. She emphasised that many water-related fatalities could be avoided if both passengers and boat operators made the use of life jackets a standard practice.
“Wearing life jackets can significantly reduce the risk of fatalities in water accidents,” she stated, stressing that safety on the water should be a collective responsibility.
Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Helen Adwoa Ntoso, also appealed to boat operators to strictly observe safety regulations, especially regarding passenger limits. She cautioned that overloading boats puts lives at risk and called on operators to prioritise safety over profit.
Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, expressed gratitude to the government and the delegation from the Presidency for their compassion and support. He noted that the gesture was a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens, particularly in times of tragedy.
The tragic accident occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025, claiming 15 lives, including three children. The speedboat, which had 19 passengers on board, was travelling from Okumakrua to Debume for a funeral when it capsized on the River Oti.
