Parliament has summoned the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, and the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Jinapor, to appear before the House next week following the tragic drowning of seven students from Lawra Senior High School.
The incident occurred on June 13, 2025, as the students attempted to cross the Black Volta, reportedly without access to life jackets—a critical safety failure that has sparked national concern.
Also Read: Ghana Not Immune to Middle East Conflict Fallout – Expert Warns of Risks to Oil, Gold, and Travel
Given the incident’s proximity to the Volta River and the broader reliance on water transport in surrounding communities, the presence of the Energy Minister is intended to facilitate a broader discussion on the safety and infrastructure challenges facing riverine communities.
During parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, June 17, Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako endorsed a motion by Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, calling for the ministers’ appearance.
“We must consider allocating part of the Interior Ministry’s budget to address this emergency. It’s a critical issue that demands immediate attention,” the Deputy Speaker said.
MP for Lawra Appeals for Immediate Support
Member of Parliament for Lawra, Hon. Bede Ziedeng, also made a passionate plea to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, and the Lawra Municipal Assembly to provide life jackets to vulnerable communities along the Black Volta.
“I appeal to NADMO and the relevant authorities to urgently assist Lawra SHS and the affected families,” he said.
In a gesture of support, Hon. Ziedeng pledged to personally donate ten life jackets and urged Parliament to enact legislation that mandates safety measures for water transport in high-risk areas.
The tragic incident has reignited debate around the government’s responsibility to ensure basic safety equipment is accessible in water-dependent communities, especially for schoolchildren.
Source: Citinewsroom
