The Ministry of Education has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of seven students from Lawra Senior High School (SHS) who drowned during a canoe accident on the Black Volta River early Saturday morning.
According to an official press statement released by Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, the incident occurred when ten members of the school’s cadet corps attempted to cross the river near Dikpe into neighbouring Burkina Faso as part of a routine morning jogging activity. Midway through the crossing, the canoe capsized, leading to the loss of seven students — five girls and two boys.
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Authorities have confirmed that three of the students were rescued. The deceased were recovered by emergency response teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Education Service (GES).
On behalf of the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and the government, Dr. Apaak conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and the school community, describing the event as “unexpected and heartbreaking.”
"The Honorable Minister has directed the Director General of the Ghana Education Service to convene an urgent meeting with the Regional and District Directors of Education as well as the Headmaster of Lawra SHS," the statement read.
A full report is expected following ongoing investigations by the Ghana Police Service.
The Ministry assured the public of its commitment to student safety and pledged continued efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
