NADMO Warns Boat Operators Against Overloading to Prevent Accidents

• NADMO warns boat operators against overloading to prevent accidents.
• Fishing communities urged to insist on weight limits for boats.
• Lam advises operators to avoid speeding and be mindful of weather signs.
• NADMO prioritizes general safety in fishing communities.

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has stepped up efforts to prevent accidents on Ghana's waterways, particularly in the Bono Region. As part of this initiative, the Bono Regional Director of NADMO, Fati Kine Lam, has cautioned boat transport operators against overloading passengers to avoid disasters.

Lam gave the warning during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the presentation of life jackets to the Banda-Bongase fishing community in the Banda District of the Region. The presentation was part of the organization's efforts to enhance safety in fishing communities.

Overloading and Safety Concerns

The NADMO boss emphasized that boat operators must ensure that they do not exceed their boats' passenger capacity or maximum weight to avert mishaps on the reservoir. She urged fishing communities to also insist on not overloading fisherfolk and travelers, and to ensure that boat operators stay within the weight limits of their boats whenever they journey.

Lam stressed that adhering to safety protocols is the best option and advised boat riders and passengers to always wear life jackets whenever journeying on the reservoir. She also warned against speeding, saying that operators could be trapped by tree stumps in the reservoir and capsized their boats.

Government Commitment to Safety

The NADMO director-general assured that the government has prioritized the general safety in the fishing communities and remains dedicated to addressing their emerging challenges. Lam emphasized that NADMO is committed to ensuring that fishing communities are equipped with the necessary safety measures to prevent accidents.

She advised operators to always be mindful of weather signs and return to the shores quickly as soon as the weather conditions look unfavourable. Lam also sensitized the fisherfolk, fishmongers, traders, and residents, as well as the traditional leaders and boat operators at the Banda-Bongase fishing community, on basic safety protocols.

Looking Ahead

NADMO's efforts to prevent accidents on Ghana's waterways are a welcome development, particularly in the Bono Region. By prioritizing general safety in fishing communities, the organization can help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that boat operators and passengers are safe.

As part of its efforts, NADMO must continue to educate boat operators and passengers on safety protocols and ensure that they adhere to the rules. By doing so, the organization can help prevent accidents and reduce the risk of loss of life on Ghana's waterways.