The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing maritime safety and emergency response on the Volta Lake by deploying a dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) vessel to Kpando Torkor in the Volta Region. This deployment marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to improve safety on inland waterways and address the recurring tragedies that have plagued communities along the Volta Lake. The vessel, named MV Matey Korley – GMA AK/003, was transported from Tema, launched at Akosombo, and subsequently positioned at Kpando Torkor, its strategically chosen operational base. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader 24-Hour Economy agenda, aiming to create a safer and more secure environment for economic activities, including transportation and trade, on the Volta Lake.
For years, communities along the Volta Lake have faced significant risks and suffered numerous losses due to a combination of factors contributing to maritime accidents. Overloading of vessels, collisions with submerged tree stumps, unpredictable weather conditions, and the frequent lack of adequate life jackets have all played a role in these tragedies. The high casualty rates resulting from these incidents underscored the urgent need for improved safety measures and a dedicated rescue capability on the lake. The GMA’s deployment of the SAR vessel directly addresses this long-standing concern and represents a critical investment in protecting the lives of those who rely on the Volta Lake for transportation, commerce, and livelihoods.
The selection of Kpando Torkor as the operational base for the SAR vessel followed a thorough assessment of several potential locations, including Dodi and Dzemeni. Detailed studies conducted by the GMA identified Kpando Torkor as the most suitable site, considering factors such as accessibility, proximity to areas with high maritime traffic, and the potential to effectively respond to emergencies across a wide area of the lake. This strategic positioning will enable the vessel and its crew to reach incident sites quickly and efficiently, maximizing their ability to save lives and minimize the impact of accidents.
The arrival of the MV Matey Korley was met with expressions of gratitude and relief from local authorities and community members who have long awaited a dedicated rescue asset on the Volta Lake. The Municipal Chief Executive of Kpando, Mr. Killian Donkor, acknowledged the significance of the deployment, emphasizing its potential to prevent further loss of life and improve safety for all those who use the lake. He also urged the GMA to ensure that the vessel remained dedicated solely to its intended purpose of search and rescue, avoiding any diversion for commercial activities that might compromise its availability during emergencies.
Togbe Asumadu VIII, the Divisional Head of the Kpando Atsyiafume Division, echoed the community’s sentiments, describing the vessel’s arrival as a long-awaited solution to the persistent dangers faced by passengers and traders on the lake. His words reflect the widespread recognition of the vital role this dedicated rescue vessel will play in safeguarding lives and enhancing safety on the Volta Lake, a critical transportation artery and economic resource for the region.
The community’s reliance on local fishermen and their canoes for rescue operations in the past, often without proper safety equipment, highlighted the inadequacy of previous response capabilities. The assembly member for the Kpando Torkor Electoral Area, Joshua Phil Amenyogbe, recalled the challenges faced during past disasters and the tragic loss of life due to the lack of specialized rescue resources. He expressed hope that the arrival of the MV Matey Korley would mark a turning point in emergency response on the lake, providing a much-needed and reliable resource to save lives and mitigate the impact of future accidents.
The MV Matey Korley possesses impressive capabilities that make it well-suited for its critical mission. With a life raft capacity for 150 passengers and the ability to rescue up to 100 people at once, the vessel is equipped to handle a wide range of emergency scenarios. Its speed of 16 knots, allowing it to travel 18 nautical miles in an hour, ensures rapid response times, a crucial factor in saving lives during maritime incidents. The vessel’s presence on the Volta Lake represents a significant improvement in the region’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
Until its official commissioning, a three-member crew has been stationed at Kpando Torkor to oversee the MV Matey Korley and ensure its readiness for operations. The GMA will announce the commissioning date soon, after which the vessel will commence full operations, providing a crucial safety net for communities and travelers on the Volta Lake. This deployment reaffirms the GMA’s commitment to ensuring safe travel on Ghana’s inland waters and demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the safety challenges that have long affected the Volta Lake region.
The deployment of the MV Matey Korley is a significant milestone in improving maritime safety on the Volta Lake. It demonstrates a tangible commitment by the GMA and the government to address long-standing safety concerns and protect the lives of those who depend on the lake. The vessel’s presence will significantly enhance emergency response capabilities, providing a reliable and effective resource to save lives and mitigate the impact of accidents. This initiative represents a major step towards creating a safer and more secure environment for communities and travelers on the Volta Lake.
The MV Matey Korley is more than just a rescue vessel; it represents a symbol of hope and a commitment to a safer future for the Volta Lake region. It embodies the collective efforts of the GMA, local authorities, and community members to address the recurring tragedies that have impacted the lives of so many. The vessel’s arrival marks a turning point in maritime safety on the lake, signaling a move towards a more proactive and effective approach to preventing accidents and protecting lives.
The strategic positioning of the vessel at Kpando Torkor, its impressive rescue capabilities, and the dedication of its crew underscore the GMA’s commitment to providing a robust and reliable safety net for all those who use the Volta Lake. This deployment signifies a transformative moment in the region’s maritime safety landscape, paving the way for a more secure and resilient future for the communities that rely on the lake for their livelihoods and transportation needs.
The arrival of the MV Matey Korley not only enhances emergency response capabilities but also fosters a sense of security and confidence among those who travel and work on the Volta Lake. Knowing that a dedicated rescue vessel is available to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis provides reassurance and peace of mind. This deployment marks a significant investment in the well-being of the communities that depend on the Volta Lake and reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and promoting a safer maritime environment.
The deployment of the SAR vessel to Kpando Torkor represents a significant step towards fulfilling thegma and government’s commitment to improving maritime safety on the Volta Lake. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the broader national strategy to enhance safety on inland waterways and create a more secure environment for economic activities. The MV Matey Korley serves as a tangible symbol of this commitment, signifying a proactive approach to addressing the challenges that have long plagued the Volta Lake region.
The successful deployment of the SAR vessel to Kpando Torkor is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the GMA, local authorities, community members, and the government. This collaborative approach underscores the shared commitment to improving maritime safety and protecting lives on the Volta Lake. The MV Matey Korley stands as a symbol of this shared vision, representing a collective effort to create a safer and more secure future for the region.
