GMA to Roll Out Life Jacket Safety Program Across Inland Waterways

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) is taking a major step to protect lives and secure communities along Ghana’s inland waterways with the commissioning of new Safety Guards and the official launch of its “Life Jackets for Safety & Livelihoods” program.

The milestone event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with the Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and GMA Director General, Naval Capt. (Rtd) Dr Kamal Deen-Ali, in attendance.

According to the GMA, the newly commissioned safety guards will be stationed at key crossing points on inland waterways to prevent boat overloading and ensure that every passenger wears a life jacket before boarding.

“Together, we can eliminate preventable drowning incidents and build a safer maritime environment for everyone,” the Authority stated in its invitation.

The “Life Jackets for Safety & Livelihoods” program forms part of GMA’s broader strategy to reduce fatalities on rivers and lakes, where boat accidents and drowning have claimed numerous lives in recent years.

The initiative combines enforcement with community support, linking safety compliance to the protection of livelihoods that depend on inland water transport.

Drowning incidents on the Volta Lake, River Pra, and other inland routes have remained a concern for regulators, often linked to overloading, poor vessel conditions, and non-use of life jackets.

The GMA has urged the public and riverine communities to support the program as it rolls out safety personnel and equipment at critical crossing points.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/