The Oti Regional Minister, Gyapong Kodzo, has expressed frustration over the persistent refusal of residents in riverine communities to wear life jackets while travelling on the Volta Lake.

Speaking on The Pulse on Monday, October 13, Mr Kodzo said despite several public education efforts and the distribution of hundreds of life jackets, many locals continue to ignore safety guidelines.

“It is very difficult to handle this situation. No matter how we try to enforce the laws, no matter the number of life jackets that we give, they don’t want to use them. It is not like we haven’t given them life jackets; there have been a lot. NADMO brought a lot of life jackets,” he stated.

The minister described the situation as disheartening, especially following the recent boat tragedy near Kete Krachi, which claimed several lives.

He warned that the government would begin strict enforcement of maritime safety laws to prevent further incidents.

“What we are going to do is that anybody who wants to stay on the island should make it a point to have life jackets, and whenever they want to travel, they should put them on. That one we are going to enforce. If we come around and you don’t have a life jacket, and we know that you are from the island, we will have to take you on,” he cautioned.

Mr Kodzo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safety on the Volta Lake, adding that education and enforcement would be intensified to change public attitudes toward life jacket use.