CONONCERNED citizens are urging the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to break her silence and take immediate action following a deadly canoe accident on the Volta Lake that claimed 15 lives, including 11 children.
The tragic incident occurred on October 11, 2025, near Kete Krachi in the Oti Region, leaving families and communities devastated. The victims, mostly children, were reportedly commuting on the lake when their canoe capsized.
In the wake of the tragedy, several citizens — including Godsway Afideglifzi, Ben Gabudeshi, Osman Ali, and Abu Kiena in the Oti Region — have expressed concern over what they describe as a lack of response from the Gender Ministry.
They argue that the Ministry, which is responsible for protecting vulnerable groups such as women and children, must be seen taking a lead role in moments like this.
The group is calling on the Minister to issue a public statement acknowledging the tragedy and to clearly outline what support the Ministry will provide to the affected families.
They are also urging the Ministry to work with other government agencies to address child safety, particularly in rural and riverine communities.
Among the key demands are:
– A nationwide child safety awareness campaign, especially around river transport.
– Creation of a rapid-response unit within the Ministry to deal with similar emergencies.
– A detailed report to Parliament, outlining steps being taken to prevent such incidents in future.
“This is not the time for silence. It is the time for leadership and compassion,” said one of the concerned citizens.
The accident has reignited conversations about the safety of water transport on Volta Lake, which has been the site of several similar tragedies in recent years.
Ghanaians are now looking to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to step up and provide the needed support and policy direction to prevent such heartbreaking losses.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
