Volta Lake Safety Boost: GMA Deploys Staff and Promises Affordable Life Jackets at Kpando Torkor
This commitment was highlighted during a working visit by the GMA’s Board of Directors, led by Chairperson Madam Jemilat Jawula Mahamah.
The Authority is currently constructing a coordination office at the Torkor crossing point to aid officials in the effective enforcement of load limits and compliance on passenger boats plying the Torkor and its adjoining routes on the Volta Lake.
The establishment of the coordination office and the provision of affordable safety gear mark a significant step toward making the Volta Lake a safer route for the thousands of traders and residents who rely on it daily.
Sensitization and Community Collaboration
Addressing community leaders and selected boat owners and operators during the familiarization visit, the Director General of GMA, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Capt Rtd) emphasized the strategic importance of the new office which he said will serve as a central coordination point for all maritime safety activities in the area, which is a vital transportation hub connecting numerous island communities via the Volta Lake.
He also announced the Authority’s resolve to make life jackets available at reasonable costs for boat operators and community members, stressing that these essential items are crucial for saving lives.
The Director General underscored the importance of community collaboration, appealing to residents to partner with the GMA.
“The community are the only people who can ensure safety if they wish to,” he noted, highlighting the critical role of local ownership in maritime safety efforts.
Dr Ali also commended the Queenmother of the Torkor community for her proactive role in facilitating accommodation and office space for the newly deployed GMA personnel.
MP and Boat Operator Welcome Initiatives
The Member of Parliament for Kpando, Sebastian Deh welcomed the GMA’s initiative, highlighting the community’s need for both economic growth and enhanced safety.
Mr Deh noted that Kpando Torkor is the oldest inland landing point in the Volta Region and its long-standing fishing trade must be preserved and protected, an issue made more urgent by the recent breakdown of the main ferry from Torkor to Agordeke.
The MP commended the deployment of the search and rescue boat, the ‘Martey Korley,’ to the community to aid rapid responses in the event of disasters.
He pledged to establish robust information systems to continually sensitize the community on best safety practices.
The Chairman of the Boat Operators at Torkor, Gideon Kpordzi, welcomed the decision on the life jackets.
He explained that many boat owners and operators lack adequate stock, with some boats carrying a capacity of around 20 passengers having only two or three life jackets onboard.
Mr Kpordzi also lamented the inadequate premix fuel distribution ratio, which often causes passenger boats to experience shortages midway into their voyage.
He expressed hope that the GMA will be able to advocate for a greater allocation of premix fuel for the operators to support their business. 
