Transport Minister Launches “No Life Jacket, No Travelling” Campaign, Commissions 200 Safety Guards

The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has officially commissioned 200 Safety Guards and launched the Life Jackets for Safety and Livelihoods programme, a new government initiative aimed at reducing drowning deaths and improving safety on Ghana’s inland water bodies.

The ceremony was held at the forecourt of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) on Monday.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Nikpe said the government has moved “beyond education to action”.

” Under the new directive, no passenger will be allowed to travel on any inland water body without wearing a life jacket.

“This initiative is strategic and lifesaving. We are enforcing safety because every life on our water bodies matters,” the Minister stated.

Mr Nikpe commended the newly commissioned Safety Guards and charged them to ensure compliance across all 1,600 inland water communities nationwide.

The 200 guards were carefully selected and trained to enforce life jacket use and basic water safety protocols before boats depart.

As part of the programme, the government has made 20,000 life jackets available across inland water communities for both sale and rental, to make access affordable for fishermen, traders, and commuters.

The Transport Minister advised all citizens to adhere to directives from the Safety Guards and follow established safety protocols when travelling on water.

He noted that the combination of enforcement, accessible equipment, and public education is key to saving lives.

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