Ghana Maritime Authority deploys first Official Rescue Boat to Kpando Torkor

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has deployed its first official search and rescue vessel, Martey Korley, to Kpando Torkor.

This strategic move aims to improve safety on the Volta Lake, following months of research and stakeholder engagements.

The GMA chose Kpando Torkor over other sites like Dodi and Banda due to the frequent accidents that occur around its crossing area. According to GMA officials, the location was selected based on its high-risk profile.

The Martey Korley has a 150-passenger life raft capacity and can rescue up to 100 people at once in the event of an accident. The 16-knot vessel can travel to Akosombo in about two and a half hours. GMA officials emphasized that the vessel will significantly enhance emergency response on the lake.

During the handover ceremony, a GMA official explained that the vessel has been handed over to the community for safekeeping until its official commissioning by the Director-General. Three crew members will be stationed at Kpando Torkor to maintain the vessel under the care of Mama Dunyo.

The deployment marks a turning point for emergency response on the Volta Lake. Previously, communities relied on local fishermen and canoes during emergencies, often without proper safety equipment. The new vessel will provide a much-needed rescue service.

Divisional Chief of Atsiafume, Togbe Asumadu VIII, expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing the vessel as a solution to longstanding safety challenges. He noted that the boat will serve its intended purpose and bring relief to the community.

The Municipal Chief Executive of Kpando, Hon. Killian Donkor, stressed that the vessel must be used strictly for its intended purpose. "As far as I am concerned, this speedboat is meant solely for rescue operations, not for commercial use," he cautioned. He urged the Navy Detachment to ensure the vessel is dedicated only to emergencies.

Assembly Member for Kpando Torkor Electoral Area, Amenyogbe Joshua Phil, underscored the importance of the deployment. He recalled the risks faced during past accidents, where the community had to rely on fishermen's canoes without life jackets.

Engineer Turkpeyi Emmanuel of the Ghana Maritime Authority revealed that while Martey Korley will serve the Kpando Torkor area for now, plans are underway to deploy additional rescue and patrol boats across the Volta Lake. This will cater to the increasing traffic and activities on the water body.

The deployment of the Martey Korley highlights the safety concerns on the Volta Lake. The GMA's efforts to improve emergency response will undoubtedly save lives and prevent accidents.

The community stands to benefit greatly from the deployment of the rescue vessel. The Martey Korley will provide a rapid response to emergencies, reducing the risk of fatalities and injuries.

The GMA's commitment to improving safety on the Volta Lake is evident in its efforts to deploy rescue vessels and enhance emergency response. The authority's work will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of people living and working on the lake