Authorities in the Wa West District of the Upper West region are intensifying calls for stricter water safety protocols after two residents drowned in the Black Volta River while returning from a funeral in Burkina Faso.

The victims, a man and a woman from Bankpama, were travelling back home on Sunday when their boat capsized during the crossing. The woman’s body was later found near Tuoli, a riverside community, while the man remains missing despite ongoing search efforts by local divers.

The latest incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers of river transport in the Upper West Region, just weeks after seven students from Lawra Senior High School drowned at Dikpe.

Wa West District Chief Executive, Richard Wulo, confirmed the tragedy in an interview with JoyNews’ Upper West Regional Correspondent, Rafiq Salam.

“These were people returning from a funeral in Burkina Faso. Unfortunately, while crossing the Black Volta, their boat capsized, resulting in the deaths of a man and a woman,” Mr Wulo said.

“As we speak, only the woman’s body has been retrieved around a community called Tuoli. The man is still missing, and the search team is actively looking for him,” he added.

Wulo noted that boat accidents tend to increase during the peak of the rainy season when river levels rise.

“Normally, around this time every year, when the rains are at their peak, we record such incidents. Last year, around the Tule area, about six people drowned. This year, we are unfortunately witnessing a similar tragedy,” he explained.

In response, the district has partnered with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to implement immediate safety interventions.

“Yesterday, when the incident happened, I invited NADMO. Both the district and regional NADMO directors came, and they have assured us they will supply life jackets to reduce the risks for people crossing the river,” Mr Wulo disclosed.

He also raised concerns about unsafe practices along the Black Volta, particularly the use of canoes by untrained minors.

“When I visited the riverbank, I realised children as young as 9 or 10 were operating canoes. That is quite dangerous and unacceptable,” he cautioned.

Mr Wulo called for urgent community sensitisation and the introduction of basic water transport regulations to protect vulnerable populations living along the river.

“We need to collaborate with NADMO and local leaders to educate these communities and enforce safety measures. It’s the only way to prevent more of these tragic incidents,” he said.