Ghana Maritime Authority Condemns Use of Fishing Canoes for Passenger Transport at Anyanui

By Samuel Asamoah 

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has sharply criticized the use of fishing vessels for ferrying passengers, following a video circulating on social media that shows market women traveling to the Anyanui market in the Volta Region aboard a fishing canoe.

The Authority in a statement issued to the media described the act as a dangerous violation of maritime safety rules and a reckless endangerment of lives. The GMA said the footage was particularly troubling given the recent canoe disaster in the Oti Region, which claimed 16 lives and prompted intensified safety enforcement across Ghana’s waterways.

According to the Authority, fishing boats, canoes and similar vessels are licensed strictly for fishing and must not be used for any other commercial activity, including the transport of passengers. It stressed that using such vessels for passenger services exposes travelers to severe risks, especially on unpredictable coastal and inland waters.

The statement also highlighted the compulsory use of certified life jackets for all persons aboard any vessel, regardless of distance or purpose of travel. The video, the Authority noted, showed a complete lack of adherence to this key safety requirement.

The GMA said it is stepping up efforts to improve compliance nationwide and appealed to residents of coastal and riverine communities, as well as traditional and community leaders, to support its drive toward safer water transport. The Authority reiterated its commitment to preventing avoidable tragedies and ensuring that operators follow the regulations designed to keep passengers safe.

The statement was signed by the Public Relations Unit of the Ghana Maritime Authority.