Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has announced that the government will cover the full cost of burial for the 16 victims who lost their lives in the Okumah boat accident at Kete Krachi in the Oti Region.

She made the announcement when she met with bereaved families and community members to express the government’s condolences and provide relief support.

The items presented included 200 life jackets, four bales of second-hand clothing, 70 cartons of Frytol cooking oil, 100 bags of rice, 10 cartons of soap, 100 bales of mosquito nets, and GH¢200,000 cash to assist affected families.

Addressing residents of Okuma-Debume, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged communities living along riverbanks to adopt a culture of safety by wearing life jackets whenever they travel on the lake.

She emphasised that most water-related deaths could be prevented if passengers and operators made wearing life jackets a non-negotiable safety practice.

“Wearing life jackets can significantly reduce the risk of fatalities in water accidents,” she said, adding that safety consciousness must become a shared responsibility.

The Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Helen Adwoa Ntoso, cautioned boat operators to strictly adhere to safety regulations, particularly regarding passenger capacity limits.

She reminded operators that overloading boats endangers lives and urged them to prioritise safety over profit.

Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, expressed gratitude to the government and the delegation from the Presidency for their show of compassion.

He noted that the gesture reflected the government’s commitment to citizens’ welfare, especially during times of tragedy.

The accident, which occurred on Saturday, October 11, 2025, claimed 15 lives, including three children.

The speedboat, carrying 19 passengers, was travelling from Okumakrua to Debume for a funeral when it capsized on the River Oti.