Owner of capsized boat dares police to arrest him

The owner of a boat that capsized on the Volta River last Sunday has dared the police to arrest him following the drowning of at least 13 persons.

“The police can come and arrest me. I am here they should come and arrest me” he told Joy News Kwakye Afreh Nuamah.

Unconfirmed reports say there were at least 70 passengers on his boat when it capsized 45 minutes into the journey from Nantwekope to Yeji in the Brong Ahafo region.

Six children under three years and a pregnant woman are part of the 13 bodies dragged out of the river .

The bane of boat disasters on the Volta lake is lax safety regulations and weak commitment to enforcement.

It is common to see boats crammed with passengers making the journey.

Early in May, a canoe meant for five, carried at least 15 people, capsized on the Volta lake leaving four dead. The four include a family of three.

Passengers often reject the use of life jackets explaining that it is uncomfortable and for fear of contracting diseases.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com