Ghana Maritime Authority Commissions Safety Guards and Launches Life Jackets for Safety and Livelihood Campaign
The initiative aims to reduce accidents on the country’s inland waterways by promoting the use of life jackets, strengthening safety enforcement, and increasing public awareness.
It also seeks to protect lives and livelihoods in communities that rely on water transport for their daily economic and social activities.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, described the initiative it as a significant step toward restoring safety, security, and confidence on Ghana’s inland waterways. 
He noted that the inland waterways serve as an essential links connecting communities to schools, healthcare facilities, markets, and sources of livelihood.
According to him, the commissioning of the Safety Guards marks a major milestone in efforts to strengthen safety enforcement while empowering local communities through education and awareness.
The Minister emphasized that the Government remains committed to promoting both sensitization and strict compliance with safety regulations on inland waterways. He therefore reiterated the campaign’s key message No Life Jacket, No Travel, as appropriate.
GMA
The Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, in his welcome remarks described the initiative as central to the Authority’s mandate of ensuring safety on Ghana’s waterways. 
He announced that the GMA will distribute 20,000 life jackets as part of a life-saving intervention designed to protect lives, preserve livelihoods, and support families and communities that rely on inland water transport.
Dr Ali also noted that the Authority is moving beyond merely acknowledging and mourning preventable accidents on inland waterways to implementing practical measures that will significantly reduce their occurrence.
He observed that inland waterways, which serve as vital transport routes for many communities, have increasingly become a source of concern due to recurring preventable accidents.
As part of efforts to strengthen safety oversight, Dr Ali highlighted the Authority’s ongoing expansion programme, which has increased its operational presence by more than 70 percent compared to previous years.
The GMA, he said has established an Inland Water Office in Akosombo and satellite offices in Kete-Krachi, Kpando, Saboba, and Wa, with plans underway to extend operations to additional areas, including the Eastern and Oti Regions.
The life jacket for safety and livelihood initiatives, he explained is designed to make life jackets more accessible and affordable while creating opportunities for life jacket rental services at inland water crossing points.
Similarly, the Safety Guards, he suggested will play a critical role in enforcing safety regulations by ensuring that no boat departs from shore unless all passengers are wearing life jackets.
He expressed appreciation to the relevant stakeholders for their support in bringing the initiative to fruition. He further urged boat operators and waterway users to view the Safety Guards as partners in promoting safety rather than as enforcers alone.
The acting Director of Public Relations at the Ghana Maritime Authority, Madam Afua Kotoku who gave an overview of the initiative revealed that the Authority has identified 125 inland water crossing points across the country, where 200 Safety Guards will be deployed. She explained that the initiative forms part of broader interventions under the Ministry of Transport in support of the Government’s Reset Agenda, aimed at improving public service delivery and enhancing the welfare of citizens. 
The President of the Inland Canoe Fishing Council,Jacob Kabori, commended the Ghana Maritime Authority for its sustained engagement with stakeholders and its commitment to improving safety through public education, sensitization programmes, and awareness campaigns.
