The Ghana Education Service (GES) has confirmed the tragic drowning of seven second-year students from Lawra Senior High School in the Upper West Region.
The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a routine jogging exercise by members of the school’s cadet corps.
According to a statement released by the GES on June 16, a group of 16 students had jogged to the banks of the Black Volta River near Dikpe. Ten of them attempted to cross the river in a canoe, which tragically capsized midway through the journey.
The accident claimed the lives of five girls Loise Kaati, Florence Kandera, Joyce Kuzare, Evelyn Batumatu, and Munira Abu as well as two boys, Maxwell Dampuorideme and Alfred Foyji. Three others were rescued alive.
The bodies of all deceased students have since been retrieved with the support of local search teams, the Ghana Police Service, and other security agencies.
One of the victims, who was Muslim, has already been buried in accordance with Islamic customs. Funeral arrangements for the remaining six are scheduled for Monday, June 16, in collaboration with their families.
GES says it is working closely with security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure such a tragedy never occurs again. Surviving cadet members are currently receiving psychological and emotional support on campus.
The Service also assured parents and guardians that Lawra SHS remains a safe learning environment. Measures are being intensified to improve safety protocols and protect students’ welfare.
“The Management of GES is collaborating with regional and district education directors, the school’s leadership, and relevant stakeholders to support the affected families,” the statement read.
The GES also expressed deep appreciation to all involved in the rescue and recovery efforts, including school staff, regional authorities, and members of the Lawra community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the Lawra SHS community, and all affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the release concluded.
