Today, on May 14, 2023, the bodies of the nine schoolchildren who tragically lost their lives in the Weija-Gbawe drowning incident will be laid to rest. The heart-wrenching scene at the Bortianor Palace Park brought tears to the eyes of family members and friends as they bid their final farewells.
The unfortunate incident occurred on May 10 when a canoe carrying the schoolchildren capsized and sank in the estuary at Wiaboman. These young lives were cut short in a devastating accident that occurred in the Weija Gbawe municipality of Accra.
Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) criticized the Ghana Education Service (GES) for its failure to provide life jackets to students residing in island communities, especially considering a similar incident that occurred on January 25 in Atigagorrne/Wayokope, where eight pupils also drowned. The lack of such safety measures has been a cause for concern.
Further investigations revealed that the canoe was being operated by a 12-year-old at the time of the accident. This raises questions about the supervision and precautions taken during the boating trip.
In attendance at the funeral proceedings is Henry Quartey, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, showing solidarity and support during this difficult time.
As the community gathers to lay these young souls to rest, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety measures and ensuring the well-being of students in all educational activities. May the families find solace and strength during this period of immense grief and may the memories of these children forever be cherished.