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

The Vice President made this known during a visit to the affected community, where she met with grieving families and residents.

"Government will bear the cost of burial of the victims and we will provide rapid support for the survivors," she indicated.

The Vice President also presented over 600 life jackets and other relief items to the people, urging boat operators and passengers to strictly adhere to safety measures to prevent future tragedies.

• Read also: 15 dead, including 11 children, in Kete Krachi boat disaster

“Family members, Assembly members, our children, what I want to begin by saying is that this tragedy affects every one of us because we have all been struck by it,” she said.

“We would have loved to hear good news all the time, but that is not always the case. So, when things go the other way, we should still give thanks to God. It may be difficult, but sometimes there is nothing we can do.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed the need for vigilance and responsibility among boat operators, noting that many of such accidents could be avoided if safety protocols were observed.

“To those who work on the sea, please wear your life jackets. We plead with you, wear them always. And to our boat operators, we ask that before anyone boards, make sure they have their life jackets on. This simple act can prevent future tragedies,” she advised.

• Read also: 11-year-old was controlling the boat in Kete Krachi disaster – NADMO

She added that her visit was not for political reasons but to stand with the community in their moment of grief and solidarity.

“It’s not every day that we go out to campaign; sometimes, we must visit our people, see their situation, and understand the issues they face. We came here to stand with you, to offer our support and condolences,” she said.

The Vice President reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving safety measures along Ghana’s waterways, promising that further interventions would be rolled out to protect lives and livelihoods.