High Schools

Tragedy at Lawra SHS: Ministry of Education Mourns Seven Students Lost in Canoe Accident

16th June 2025

Seven Lawra SHS students have died in a tragic canoe accident on the Black Volta River. The Ministry of Education has issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging action.

National Shock: Seven Lawra SHS Cadet Students Perish in Boat Mishap

In a heartbreaking incident that has sent waves of sorrow across the country, the Ministry of Education has confirmed the deaths of seven students from Lawra Senior High School in the Upper West Region. The tragedy occurred on the morning of Saturday, June 15, 2025, during a cadet corps exercise involving a routine morning jog.

According to a press statement signed by Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, the students attempted to cross the Black Volta River near Dikpe into Burkina Faso via canoe. The vessel tragically capsized midway through the crossing.

📍 What Happened?

A group of ten students from the school’s cadet corps were participating in a morning fitness routine when they boarded a canoe to cross the river. Unfortunately, the boat capsized midstream. While three students were rescued, seven (five girls and two boys) were confirmed drowned.

“Our deep shock and sadness go to the families of the seven students… We share in the grief of the affected families and the entire school community,” the statement reads.

Bodies of the deceased have been retrieved through the efforts of NADMO, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Education Service (GES).

🛑 Ministry Responds: Urgent Measures Ordered

The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has instructed the Director-General of GES to urgently convene a meeting with:

Regional and District Directors of Education
The Headmaster of Lawra SHS

The purpose of this emergency meeting is to assess the circumstances, prevent recurrence, and report findings immediately.

As the Ministry awaits a full police report, it assured the public of renewed commitment to student safety and welfare.

🕯️ National Mourning and Call for Support

Ghanaians have been urged to keep the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers. The Education Ministry emphasized that it remains committed to ensuring student safety during school-sanctioned activities.

The tragic loss comes at a time when education stakeholders are focusing on reforms and safety protocols, especially in schools with active extracurricular programs like cadet corps.

📌 Key Takeaways

FACTS DETAILS Date of Incident Saturday, June 15, 2025 Location Black Volta River, near Dikpe (Upper West) Victims 7 students (5 girls, 2 boys) drowned Survivors 3 students rescued School Involved Lawra Senior High School Activity Type Morning cadet corps jogging exercise Response Agencies NADMO, GES, Ghana Police Service Ministry’s Action Urgent GES meeting ordered by Hon. Haruna Iddrisu