Accra, Nov 7, GNA – The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has strongly condemned the use of fishing vessels for transporting passengers on the country’s waterways, describing the act as reckless.
The GMA’s reaction comes in response to a video circulating on social media that depicts market women being transported in a fishing canoe to the Anyanui market in the Volta Region.
“The Authority condemns this act in the strongest possible terms, as it represents a clear disregard for safety regulations and a reckless endangerment of human life,” a statement from the GMA’s public relations unit said.
The statement noted that the incident was particularly alarming following the recent canoe accident that claimed 16 lives in the Oti Region, especially as the Authority had intensified efforts to ensure compliance with safety protocols on the country’s waterways.
It cautioned that the use of certified life jackets was compulsory for all persons aboard any boat or canoe on Ghana’s waters, regardless of the travel distance.
“The video suggests a complete failure to observe this non-negotiable safety standard,” the GMA said.
Reiterating key safety regulations, the GMA urged the public to note that fishing boats, canoes, and vessels were certified for fishing activities only and were strictly prohibited from being used for any other commercial purpose, including passenger transport.
The statement said, GMA was working tirelessly to enhance safety on all Ghanaian waters and urged residents of coastal and inland water areas, as well as community leaders, to support its agenda for compliance and safe water transport.
GNA