GMA Dambai: Bolstering 'No Life Jacket, No Sailing' Compliance

• The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) donated 300 life jackets to boat operators and fishers in Dambai on October 17, 2026.
• This initiative aims to enhance safety compliance and reduce fatalities on the Oti River, where a significant portion of the local population relies on water-related activities.
• The donation is part of the GMA's 'Life Jackets for Safety and Livelihood Initiative,' which provides subsidized life jackets with flexible payment options to address affordability issues.
• The intervention directly supports the enforcement of the GMA's 'No Life Jacket, No Sailing' directive, introduced earlier this year as part of its Safety Guards Programme.
• Local officials and beneficiaries lauded the GMA's efforts, pledging to adhere to safety regulations and use the life jackets for their intended purpose.

This directive mandates that no vessel should embark on a journey on inland waterways without all occupants wearing life jackets, making accessibility to such equipment a cornerstone of compliance.

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) recently distributed 300 life jackets to various maritime stakeholders in Dambai, a move aimed at bolstering safety compliance and reducing fatalities on the Oti River. This significant donation, which took place at the Dambai Ferry Station on October 17, 2026, saw three key organizations benefit: the Boat Owners and Operators Association-Dambai, A1 Boats, and the Inland Canoe Fishers Association, each receiving 100 life jackets.

This targeted intervention forms a crucial part of the GMA's broader strategy to enhance safety standards across Ghana's inland waterways. By directly providing essential safety equipment, the Authority seeks to mitigate the risks associated with water transport and fishing activities, particularly in regions heavily reliant on these aquatic routes for daily life and commerce. The initiative directly addresses a critical need for accessible safety gear among operators and fishers.

The distribution of these life jackets is intrinsically linked to the Ghana Maritime Authority's "Life Jackets for Safety and Livelihood Initiative." This program is designed to alleviate the financial burden on inland waterway operators by enabling them to acquire life jackets at subsidized prices, with the added flexibility of monthly installment payments. Captain Kodjo Adjarko Osei, Deputy Director of the Technical Services Division and Head of Inland Waterways at the GMA, highlighted that the prohibitive cost of life jackets has historically posed a significant challenge for many operators, contributing to non-compliance with vital Ghana water transport safety directives.

The Authority is actively working to overcome this barrier by ensuring that affordable life jackets are readily available. Captain Osei emphasized that the consistent use of these safety devices is paramount for preventing avoidable deaths during water transport incidents. Furthermore, this intervention directly supports the enforcement of the GMA's stringent "No Life Jacket, No Sailing" directive, which was initially introduced earlier in the year during the launch of its Safety Guards Programme. This directive mandates that no vessel should embark on a journey on inland waterways without all occupants wearing life jackets, making accessibility to such equipment a cornerstone of compliance.

The local community has expressed strong support for the GMA's proactive measures. Mr. Safo Nketiah, the Krachi East Municipal Chief Executive, speaking on behalf of Dambai residents, commended the Authority for its dedication to safeguarding lives. He underscored the critical importance of life jackets in Dambai, noting that nearly 40 percent of the local population is engaged in lake-related activities, making the provision and consistent use of these safety devices essential for both personal protection and the sustainability of the region's economic activities.

Beneficiaries of the donation echoed these sentiments, praising the GMA for what they described as a pivotal step toward improving safety on the Oti River. They collectively pledged to utilize the life jackets as intended and to adhere strictly to established safety requirements, thereby promoting safer inland water transport for everyone. Mr. Nketiah also urged the Ghana Maritime Authority to continue these vital interventions, fostering greater water safety awareness and encouraging sustained Dambai boat operator safety compliance among boat operators and fishers, reinforcing the long-term commitment to safety on Ghana's inland waterways.

Compliance officers for inland waterway operators in Ghana, especially on the Oti River, must ensure strict adherence to the Ghana Maritime Authority's (GMA) 'No Life Jacket, No Sailing' directive. The GMA is actively facilitating compliance through initiatives like subsidized life jackets, indicating increased enforcement and potential liabilities for non-compliance with water safety regulations.

Source: Original reporting via Ghana News Agency