The Ghana Education Service (GES) has confirmed the burial of one of the seven Lawra Senior High School (SHS) students who drowned in the Black Volta River and has pledged a full investigation into the tragic incident.

In a statement issued on Monday, 16 June 2025, the GES described the event as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and extended its deepest condolences to the affected families, the Lawra SHS community, and the general public.

According to the statement, sixteen second-year cadet students embarked on a morning jogging exercise on Saturday, 14 June, to the banks of the Black Volta near Dikpe. Ten of them attempted to cross the river in a canoe, which capsized midway.

“Sadly, the boat capsized midway through the journey,” the statement noted.

Seven students — five girls and two boys — drowned. The deceased were named as Loise Kaati, Florence Kandera, Joyce Kuzare, Evelyn Batumatu, Munira Abu, Maxwell Dampuorideme, and Alfred Foyi. Three students survived and were rescued.

GES confirmed that the body of one of the deceased students, a Muslim, was buried per Islamic tradition. Funeral arrangements for the remaining six were scheduled to take place on Monday, 16 June, in coordination with their families.

“All seven bodies have been retrieved with the support of security agencies and a local search team from the Lawra community, the Ghana Police Service, and the school’s management,” the statement added.

The Service further stated that investigations are underway in collaboration with security agencies to determine the full circumstances of the incident and ensure similar tragedies are prevented in the future.

“The surviving cadet members are currently on campus receiving psychological and emotional support,” it added.

GES also assured the public that it is working closely with the school’s administration, as well as Regional and District Directors of Education, to support the bereaved families and uphold the safety of all students.

“We assure the general public, especially parents and guardians, that Lawra SHS remains a safe learning environment. The safety and well-being of our students is of utmost importance, and steps are being taken to strengthen safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future,” the statement said.

The GES expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the rescue and recovery efforts, and concluded with a message of solidarity: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the Lawra SHS community, and all affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”