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Two residents of Bankpama in the Upper West Region have drowned in the Black Volta River after their boat capsized while returning from a funeral in neighbouring Burkina Faso.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, with the victims—a man and a woman—attempting to cross the river when their boat overturned. The woman’s body was later discovered near the riverside community of Tuoli, but the man remains missing as local divers continue their search.
Wa West District Chief Executive, Richard Wulo, confirmed the incident in an interview with JoyNews’ Upper West Regional Correspondent, Rafiq Salam. He noted that such tragedies are common during the peak of the rainy season due to rising river levels.
“This time of year always poses a risk. Just last year, we recorded six drownings around the Tule area. Sadly, we are seeing a repeat of that situation,” Mr Wulo stated.
In response, the district has teamed up with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to implement immediate safety measures. Life jackets are expected to be distributed to communities along the river to reduce risks associated with river crossings.
Mr Wulo also expressed alarm at the unsafe use of canoes by minors. “When I visited the riverbank, I saw children as young as 9 or 10 operating canoes. That’s extremely dangerous,” he cautioned.
The incident follows closely on the heels of another tragic event where seven students from Lawra SHS drowned at Dikpe, further highlighting the urgent need for enhanced water safety protocols.
Mr Wulo stressed the importance of community sensitisation and the enforcement of basic water transport regulations. “We must collaborate with NADMO and local leaders to raise awareness and put safety rules in place. That’s the only way to stop these recurring tragedies,” he added.
