The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of nine pupils who drowned after the boat they were traveling in capsized while crossing a river on their way home from school.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, around 4:30 pm, near Faana in the Weija-Gbawe municipality in Accra.
The pupils, seven girls and two boys aged between two years and ten years, were from two private schools – Services Awareness Academy and Redeemer Academy – located in Wiaboman in the Weija Gbawe Municipality. Only three pupils survived the accident, which was reportedly caused by tidal waves.
In a related incident, a 29-year-old teacher at Chinekope M/A Primary school in the Krachi West Municipality, Mr. Sampson Adu, also lost his life when the boat he was traveling in capsized. He has since been buried in his hometown in the Eastern Region.
The GES in a press release signed by the Head of the Public Relations Unit, Cassandra Twum, expressed shock and extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved pupils and the deceased teacher.
The GES also assured the families of their support in this difficult time and prayed for the quick recovery of the three surviving pupils.
This incident has once again highlighted the need for proper safety measures, particularly for school children who have to cross rivers to get to and from school.
Earlier this year, a similar incident occurred in which eight pupils lost their lives. Education advocates have called for measures such as the provision of life jackets and construction of schools in island communities to prevent future tragedies.
Full statement below
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Story by: Kelly Adjetey Boye | univers.ug.edu.gh
