The Member of Parliament for Lawra, Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng, has donated 20 life jackets to support efforts aimed at improving safety for commuters crossing the Black Volta River between Lawra and neighbouring Burkina Faso.

The donation follows a tragic boat accident two months ago, in which seven students from Lawra Senior High School lost their lives when a canoe capsized near the Dikpe Bridge in the Lawra Municipality. The incident sent shockwaves across the region and prompted urgent calls for safety interventions.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Lawra Municipal Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) appealed for life-saving equipment, including life jackets and rescue boats, to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Speaking during a brief presentation ceremony on Saturday, August 23, Mr. Ziedeng recounted the emotional toll of the incident and emphasised the need for proactive safety measures. He recalled addressing the matter in Parliament, where he extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged NADMO and other agencies to step up their support.

“I made a promise to get at least 10 life jackets to be used by canoe owners as a safety measure,” the MP said. “Today, I am here to fulfill that promise by donating 20 life jackets as my contribution to making river crossing safer.”

Mr. Ziedeng also applauded the Ghana Maritime Authority, which had earlier donated 30 life jackets to the community, and expressed appreciation to retired Naval Captain Kamaledeen for his support toward the initiative.

While highlighting the importance of safety gear, the MP stressed that a permanent solution lies in the construction of a bridge over the Black Volta. He criticised the government’s failure to follow through on a sod-cutting promise made in 2020, and pledged to push for the bridge’s construction under the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama, should the opposition party return to power.

He further assured constituents that under the NDC’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme, efforts were underway to rehabilitate key roads, including the Lawra–Domwine–Hain trunk road, to improve connectivity in the municipality.

The donation was warmly received by local authorities and residents, who expressed hope that the initiative would help reduce the risk of future accidents on the river.

The Municipal NADMO Director, Nyolee Ang-guyiri Ament, described the donation as timely and critical. He emphasised that the life jackets would significantly enhance the safety of canoe operators and passengers who depend on the river for transportation.

“We are grateful to the Honourable MP for this intervention. These jackets will go a long way in ensuring safe river crossings,” he said, calling on other stakeholders to emulate the MP’s example.

Mr. Ament also issued a caution to canoe operators, stressing that the life jackets were not to be stored or misused, but worn consistently to save lives. “Safety must never be compromised,” he warned.

He further commended the security agencies for their vital role during the recent tragedy, acknowledging their swift response and the difficult conditions under which they worked to recover the victims. “Their courage and dedication brought closure to grieving families, and the people of Lawra will never forget that,” he said.

by: Martina Maasonoo Zaabog/Citi FM