The Ministry of Education has extended its deepest condolences to the families of seven students from Lawra Senior High School who tragically lost their lives in a canoe accident on Saturday, June 15, 2025.
The incident occurred when ten students from the school’s cadet corps attempted to cross the Black Volta River near Dikpe into Burkina Faso during a routine morning jogging exercise. Unfortunately, the canoe they were in capsized midway through the journey, resulting in the deaths of seven students, five girls and two boys.
According to reports, the students were on a routine morning jogging exercise when they decided to attempt to cross the river. The canoe they were in capsized, and despite efforts to rescue them, seven students lost their lives. The bodies of the deceased students have since been retrieved by teams from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Education Service.
The Ministry of Education has been informed of the incident and has taken immediate action. The Honourable Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has instructed the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service to convene an urgent meeting with the Regional and District Directors of Education and the Headmaster of the school to report back urgently. The Ministry has also confirmed that three of the ten students were rescued.
The Ministry of Education has extended its deepest condolences to the affected families and the entire school community. Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, MP and Deputy Minister for Education, signed a press statement on behalf of the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, and the government, conveying deep shock and sadness to the families of the deceased students. The Ministry has assured Ghanaians that it will continue to do its best to ensure the safety and security of students.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and the Ministry of Education’s prompt response has been welcomed by all. The Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students is commendable, and it is hoped that this incident will serve as a wake-up call for all schools to review their safety protocols. The families of the deceased students have been assured of the Ministry’s support during this difficult time.
