Fifteen people drowned on Saturday when a boat capsized on Lake Volta in northeast Ghana, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) said on Sunday.

Shipwrecks are frequent on Lake Volta, often due to overloading of boats or collisions with submerged tree trunks.

"Unfortunately, 11 of the victims are children aged between two and 14 years old (five boys and six girls)," GMA said in a statement, adding that the boat was due to travel from the village of Okuma to that of Bovime.

"The other four victims are adults, three women and one man, aged between 18 and 64," the statement said.

A total of four people survived the crash, according to Ghanaian authorities.

A specialized investigation team, including members of the navy, was dispatched to the scene to determine the precise causes of the sinking and identify any possible breaches of safety regulations.

- Overload -

Initial findings indicate that the boat is overloaded.

The GMA said an accident investigation committee will be set up jointly with the Ministry of Transport.

A reinforced security control operation on the shores of Lake Volta will also be launched to ensure compliance with passenger limits and the mandatory use of life jackets, the authorities announced.

"GMA remains committed to shedding light on the root causes of this tragedy and to putting in place concrete measures to ensure that such an event does not happen again," the statement concluded.

The maritime authority offered "its most sincere condolences to the bereaved families" and urged local residents not to board non-compliant boats.

"The bodies of 12 of the deceased were deposited at the mortuary of Kete Krachi and Worawora public hospitals, while the remaining three children have since been buried," GMA said.

Boat accidents are common in the country, due to overloading, failure to follow safety instructions, lack of maintenance and bad weather.

Losses of life are usually high when this type of accident occurs, as many boats are inadequately equipped with insufficient life jackets. Furthermore, few people know how to swim.

Last August, six people died in similar circumstances.

In May 2023, a major accident claimed the lives of 18 passengers.