Ghana has introduced a nationwide lifeguarding initiative aimed at reducing drowning incidents and enhancing safety at beaches and other water bodies across the country.
The programme, launched on April 14, 2026, at the Labadi Beach Hotel, is being spearheaded by the National Coordination Board for Drowning Prevention. It is supported by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
The launch brought together representatives from security agencies, emergency services, local authorities, development partners, and coastal communities, all focused on addressing drowning—a persistent but preventable public safety issue in Ghana.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi highlighted the urgency of tackling drowning, describing it as an ongoing threat that requires sustained national attention. He noted that safety is a key part of everyday life, ensuring that people can work, travel, and enjoy recreation without risk.
Drowning is estimated to claim about 1,400 lives each year in Ghana, with children and young people among the most vulnerable. Stakeholders emphasized that many of these deaths can be prevented through awareness, coordinated action, and the presence of trained responders.
As part of the rollout, trained lifeguards have already been deployed in parts of the Greater Accra Region, particularly within the La Dade Kotopon Municipality. A total of 21 lifeguards are currently stationed at Laboma, La Pleasure, and Acapulco beaches, where they are helping to improve safety and reassure visitors.
These personnel have received training in water rescue, CPR, first aid, and risk management, and are employed by the municipal assembly—an approach aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability.
The initiative is built on strong collaboration among institutions such as the Ghana Navy, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, National Ambulance Service, and the National Security Council Secretariat.
During the event, Ben Baba Abdul underscored the need for collective responsibility, noting that preventing drowning requires cooperation across multiple institutions.
A key moment at the launch was the inauguration of the National Coordination Board for Drowning Prevention, which will oversee coordination efforts and guide the long-term expansion of the programme nationwide.
The event also highlighted the importance of community participation, with stakeholders urging the public to adopt safer practices around water and support efforts to protect lives.
With continued collaboration and commitment, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce preventable deaths and improve safety across Ghana’s beaches and waterways.
Source: newsghana.com.gh
