The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially launched investigations into the tragic drowning incident that led to the death of seven cadet students from Lawra Senior High School in the Upper West Region.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 16, GES expressed its profound sorrow over the incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, June 14, 2025.
The statement highlighted 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.
Unfortunately, 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.
The GES stated that the bodies of all deceased students had been successfully retrieved with the assistance of the Ghana Police Service, school authorities, and members of the Lawra community.
One of the students, a Muslim, has already been buried under Islamic rites. Funeral rites for the other victims were held on Monday, June 16, in collaboration with their families.
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.
“Lawra SHS remains a safe learning environment,” the GES emphasised, adding that steps are being taken to strengthen safety protocols to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
Management also expressed appreciation for the swift efforts of all who participated in the rescue and recovery process, including the security services, school authorities, and the local search party.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, the Lawra SHS community, and all affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the statement added.
Find the GES statement below.
