The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has provided an update following a tragic boat accident in the East Gonja District of the Savanna Region, raising renewed concerns over safety compliance on inland waterways.

According to the Authority, the incident occurred on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, when an unidentified boat traveling from Yeji to Congo capsized near Mataiko due to severe weather conditions.

Fourteen passengers were reported to have been on board at the time of the accident. Rescue efforts led to five male survivors being brought to safety, while nine others are feared dead.

So far, seven bodies have been recovered, including two women and five children. Search teams are still working tirelessly to locate the remaining two missing persons.

The GMA expressed grave concern over the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, revealing that none of the passengers were wearing life jackets. The Authority emphasised that this disregard for safety regulations significantly contributed to the high number of casualties.

Reiterating its stance, the GMA reminded the public that the use of life jackets is a legal requirement for all forms of water transport in Ghana. Officials noted that stricter enforcement measures will be pursued to ensure compliance and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Authority also extended its deepest condolences to the families affected by the disaster, as the nation mourns yet another avoidable loss of life on its waterways.