Passengers who travel on Ghana’s waterways will soon be able to purchase or rent life jackets under a new initiative launched by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and the Ministry of Transport to improve safety and reduce water-related fatalities.
The nationwide programme forms part of a broader Life Jacket Safety and Livelihood Campaign aimed at increasing access to life-saving equipment while promoting a culture of safety among water transport users.
Under the initiative, life jackets will be made available at discounted prices for regular passengers, while occasional travellers will have the option of renting them before embarking on their journeys.
Expanding Access to Life Jackets
Speaking at the launch, Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, said affordability remains one of the key barriers preventing many passengers from using life jackets consistently.
To address the challenge, the Authority is introducing both ownership and rental options to make the safety equipment more accessible.
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According to him, individuals who frequently travel on water can purchase life jackets at subsidised rates and keep them for personal use, while those who travel occasionally can rent one at a modest cost.
Partnership for Safer Water Transport
The campaign is being implemented in collaboration with transport operators, local communities, traditional authorities and Members of Parliament.
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali said the goal is to encourage collective responsibility for safety on Ghana’s inland waterways and coastal transport routes.
He noted that reducing accidents requires not only stronger enforcement but also greater public participation and awareness.
Safety Guards Commissioned
As part of the initiative, the Ghana Maritime Authority commissioned a new group of safety guards to support emergency response operations in water transport communities.
The Authority also donated life jackets to selected communities and demonstrated rescue procedures that could be deployed during emergencies.
Officials say the newly trained guards will play a key role in promoting safety compliance and responding to incidents on the water.
Effort to Reduce Water-Related Accidents
The Maritime Authority believes increasing access to life jackets will significantly reduce the number of drowning incidents and fatalities recorded on Ghana’s waterways.
The Authority plans to distribute additional life jackets to communities across the country in the coming months as part of efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and improve safety standards.
Officials say the long-term objective is to ensure that life jackets become a routine part of every water journey, helping to protect lives and improve confidence in water transport services.
The initiative is expected to complement broader government efforts to improve transport safety and reduce preventable accidents nationwide.
