The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the devastating canoe accident that tragically claimed the lives of seven students from Lawra Senior High School in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The incident, which occurred on the morning of Saturday, June 14th, 2024, involved ten members of the school’s cadet corps who were reportedly undertaking a routine jogging exercise. During their exercise, the students attempted to cross the Black Volta River near Dikpe using a canoe, which tragically capsized midstream, leading to the loss of seven young lives. Three students were rescued from the river and are currently receiving necessary medical attention and care. The incident has sent shockwaves through the educational community and the nation as a whole.
In a statement released on June 15th and signed by NUGS President Daniel Korley Botchway, the Union conveyed its deepest condolences to the grieving families of the deceased students, the management and staff of Lawra Senior High School, and the entire student body impacted by this devastating loss. The statement expressed the Union’s profound sadness and shared the collective grief of the educational community. NUGS emphasized its solidarity with the affected families and assured them of their support during this incredibly difficult time. The Union’s message acknowledged the immeasurable pain caused by this tragedy and offered comfort and prayers to those struggling to cope with the loss.
The NUGS statement also highlighted the Union’s ongoing communication and collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) in addressing the aftermath of the accident. The GES is currently leading and coordinating the rescue, recovery, and support operations for the affected victims and their families. This includes providing immediate medical assistance to the rescued students, conducting search and recovery operations for the deceased, and offering counseling and support services to the affected families and the school community. NUGS emphasized its commitment to working closely with the GES to ensure that all necessary resources and support are provided to those affected by this tragedy.
Furthermore, NUGS sought to reassure parents and guardians of students in senior high schools across the country that the incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness by the GES management. The Union emphasized the GES’s commitment to investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and taking appropriate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This includes reviewing safety protocols for school activities, particularly those involving water bodies, and reinforcing the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. NUGS aimed to instill confidence in the public regarding the GES’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in Ghanaian schools.
The loss of these seven young lives represents a profound tragedy for the families, the school, and the nation. The students, who were members of the school’s cadet corps, were engaged in a routine activity intended to promote physical fitness and discipline. The unexpected turn of events highlights the inherent risks associated with water activities and underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety precautions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for constant vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of young people.
This tragic accident has brought the issue of student safety to the forefront, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures in schools and a renewed focus on educating students about potential hazards. The incident also underscores the need for adequate resources and training for school staff in emergency preparedness and response. As the community mourns the loss of these promising young lives, it is imperative that lessons are learned from this tragedy to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The legacy of these students should be a catalyst for positive change, leading to improved safety protocols and a greater emphasis on protecting the lives of students in all educational settings.
