The Ghana Education Service (GES) has launched investigations into the tragic drowning incident that claimed the lives of seven cadet students from Lawra Senior High School in the Upper West Region.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 16, GES expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, June 14, 2025.
The statement confirmed that sixteen second-year students from the school’s cadet corps had embarked on a routine morning jogging activity to the banks of the Black Volta River near Dikpe.
Tragically, ten of the students decided to cross the river in a canoe, which capsized midway through the journey. The incident led to the death of seven students: five girls, Loise Kaati, Florence Kandera, Joyce Kuzare, Evelyn Batumatu, and Munira Abu, and two boys, Maxwell Dampuorideme and Alfred Foyi. Three others were rescued alive.
While investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent future occurrences, the GES has assured the public that psychological and emotional support is being provided to the surviving cadet members who are currently on campus.
The service further indicated that it is working closely with the Regional and District Directors of Education, the school’s administration, and relevant stakeholders to support the bereaved families and ensure the well-being of all affected students.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the Lawra SHS community, and all affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the statement concluded.
