Seven students from Lawra SHS in the Upper West Region have drowned in a tragic boat accident at a tributary of the Black Volta River. Local divers at the Dikpe Bridge retrieved all bodies, ending a rescue mission that began after their canoe capsized.
The students, five girls and two boys, had just finished their routine weekend jogging. They reportedly decided to explore the river, boarding an overloaded canoe.
Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Pozing, visited the accident scene and Lawra SHS to express condolences. He called for calm and asked for time to complete the necessary procedures.
“Unfortunately, it’s a tragic day,” he said. “We’re not supposed to meet today on a Sunday to be discussing the passing of our children. All I can say is that it’s Almighty God that gives and He takes. Let’s have deep hearts. I further plead with the family that please allow the authorities a bit of time to go through the necessary procedures. And ultimately, our kids will be released for us to do a befitting funeral.”
At the Lawra Municipal Hospital, a large crowd gathered in sorrow. Among the deceased is Lois Kati, a second-year general arts student of Lawra SHS. Lois’ uncle and teacher, Augustin, expressed shock and concern over the circumstances of the incident.
“Unfortunately, yesterday I was called on the phone that there was a tragic issue in the school. I arrived to realize that it wasn’t in the school but rather at the riverside.”
“Whatever the issues are, how they got to the riverside is something that I cannot ascertain. And I need answers to these issues, because the students have been sent to the school to be taught. How they got to the riverside is something that leaves much to be desired. And I think the authorities that are in charge, I will expect answers from them.”
The students involved in the incident were part of the school’s cadet group. Sixteen of them had gone jogging that morning. Ten later chose to take a boat ride on a known tributary of the Black Volta.
The Headmaster of Lawra SHS, who assumed office just a week ago, gave more insight into what led to the drowning.
“According to my cadet organizer and the patron, they wanted to also explore. And in the course of the event, in fact, before they set off, according to their leader, before they set off, the water started entering the boat. Actually, they overloaded the boat.”
“I understand those boats, they take about six people at a go. But ten of them, including the one who was paddling the canoe, making eleven. So even from the set off, the cadet, the leader at that time, indicated that they should stop the journey.”
“But the one who was paddling the canoe carried on. By the time they got midstream, the situation overcame them. So in an attempt to turn back, the water entered and the boat capsized.”
Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Pozing pledged that measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
