A tragic incident has struck the Lawra Senior High School community after a group of students embarked on an unauthorized river crossing that ended in disaster.
Seven students are feared dead after their boat capsized on the Black Volta River near Dikpe in the Upper West Region on what began as a routine morning jog.
According to preliminary reports, ten students from the school had gone out for their usual morning exercise on Thursday when, for reasons still under investigation, they decided to cross the river into neighbouring Burkina Faso.
The boat they were using reportedly overturned mid-journey, throwing all ten into the fast-moving waters.
Local rescuers were able to save three of the students, who are currently receiving medical attention and are assisting with details of the incident.
However, seven remain missing, and hope is fading as strong undercurrents and poor visibility hinder rescue operations.
Divers and emergency response teams have been deployed to the scene, combing the river in an effort to locate the missing students.
The Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, and local volunteers are all involved in the ongoing search.
“The Black Volta is particularly dangerous this time of year, with very strong currents,” a local rescue official noted. “It’s a challenging environment for any recovery effort.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Lawra community and across the country. Concerned parents, teachers, and local residents have gathered near the riverbank, anxiously awaiting news.
School authorities have yet to issue a full statement but confirmed that counseling services will be made available to affected students and families.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the students obtained access to the boat and why the detour to Burkina Faso occurred without any supervision.
About The Author
