Seven students from Lawra Senior High School have died after their canoe capsized in the Black Volta River in the Upper West Region.
The tragedy occurred near the Dikpe Bridge in the Lawra Municipality on Saturday morning during what was described as a routine exercise by members of the school’s cadet corps.
Local authorities say ten students, all part of the cadet team, were on a regular early morning jogging session when they extended their route towards the riverbank.
It remains unclear why the group attempted to cross the Black Volta in a canoe, which some believe may have been overloaded.
The vessel overturned midstream, plunging all ten students into the river.
A joint rescue effort involving local volunteers and emergency services recovered the bodies of four students; two boys and two girls, by midday.
Three others, all female, remain missing, while three students survived and are receiving medical care and counselling.
Community members and school officials have been left reeling from the incident.
The Ghana Education Service, the Lawra Municipal Assembly, and members of the Municipal Security Council have all visited the scene to coordinate recovery efforts and provide support.
The Black Volta, which forms part of Ghana’s border with Burkina Faso, is known for its strong currents.
Questions are being raised about safety measures and whether students had permission to use the canoe.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has begun.