The tragic drowning of seven students from Lawra Senior High School (SHS) in the Black Volta River has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted calls for enhanced safety measures. The incident occurred on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when a group of 16 students from the school’s cadet corps were on a routine morning jog. Ten of the students decided to cross the river by boat to the Burkina Faso side, a seemingly commonplace activity in the area. However, tragedy struck mid-river as the boat capsized, resulting in the deaths of seven students. This devastating event has cast a somber shadow over the Lawra Municipality, prompting Mr. Bede Ziedeng, the Member of Parliament for Lawra, to describe the day as “Black Saturday.”
In response to the tragedy, the Ghanaian Parliament observed a minute of silence to honor the deceased students. Mr. Ziedeng, addressing Parliament, expressed his profound condolences to the bereaved families and the Lawra SHS community. He highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures along the Black Volta River, emphasizing the necessity of a bridge to ensure the safe passage of residents. He recounted his personal efforts in procuring ten life jackets for the community, a proactive measure to mitigate risks associated with river crossings. This tragic incident underscored the inadequacy of such individual efforts and highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and government-led approach to safety and security in the area.
The MP’s call for immediate action resonates with the gravity of the situation. He emphasized the urgency of preventing future occurrences by advocating for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to provide 1,000 life jackets to communities along the river. This significant increase in the availability of life jackets would represent a tangible step towards enhancing safety for those residing along the Black Volta. Furthermore, Mr. Ziedeng stressed the importance of intensified public education campaigns by NADMO to emphasize the critical need for wearing life jackets during river crossings. This educational component is crucial in fostering a culture of safety and ensuring that residents understand and adopt necessary precautions.
The incident brings into sharp focus the broader issue of safety regulations and infrastructure development in riverine communities. The Black Volta River, while a vital resource for the communities it borders, presents inherent risks that require ongoing attention and investment. The lack of a bridge necessitates potentially dangerous boat crossings, particularly in the absence of adequate safety measures. The incident underscores the critical need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols in such communities and for greater investment in infrastructure to mitigate risks.
Beyond the immediate provision of life jackets and public awareness campaigns, the call for a bridge represents a long-term solution that could prevent similar tragedies from occurring. A bridge would not only enhance safety but also improve connectivity and facilitate economic activity for communities on both sides of the river. This infrastructure development could be transformative, providing safer and more efficient access to essential services, markets, and educational opportunities. The construction of a bridge would represent a significant investment in the future of these communities, ensuring sustainable development and a higher quality of life.
The drowning of the seven students serves as a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of communities relying on potentially hazardous river crossings. The incident has galvanized calls for immediate action from government agencies and highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions such as the construction of a bridge. The tragedy emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety, investing in appropriate infrastructure, and fostering a culture of safety awareness in communities across the nation, particularly those situated along bodies of water. The legacy of these lost lives should be the catalyst for lasting change, ensuring that such a preventable tragedy never occurs again.
