Passengers and truck drivers have been facing significant delays and frustration at both banks of the Oti River in the Krachi East and Nchumuru districts due to a ferry malfunction.
The breakdown resulted in a tragic incident where Kofi Twee, a Volta Lake Transport Services employee at Dambai, lost his life while trying to repair the ferry. He was fatally caught by the ferry’s propeller.
On Saturday, those seeking ferry services between Dambai and Dordoe-Korpe were met with unexpected disruptions, leaving them unable to purchase tickets. Consequently, many had no choice but to use boats as an alternative to cross the river.
Daniel Andy Peprah-Agyei, the Public Relations Officer for Volta Lake Transport Services, explained that the ferry experienced an electronic steering fault during its journey on Friday, preventing it from docking properly.
Efforts are underway to tow the ferry from Dordoe-Korpe to Dambai for repairs, and engineers are working to resolve the issue.
Peprah-Agyei assured that stranded vehicles would be transported later in the day, with full ferry operations expected to resume by Saturday evening or Sunday.
The Ghana News Agency observed numerous vehicles, including Vision buses, Metro Mass Transit buses, tipper trucks, cargo trucks, and private cars, left stranded at both sides of the river.
The Oti River, which extends from the Volta Lake, is a crucial route connecting northern regions to southern Ghana.
The affected commuters, predominantly farmers who grow crops such as millet, beans, maize, cassava, yam, and rice for markets in Dambai, Banda, Borae, Chinderi, and Kete-Krachi, have faced substantial disruptions. Meanwhile, boat operators have capitalized on the situation, working tirelessly to handle the increased demand caused by the ferry breakdown.