Ghana loses 1,400 lives to drowning annually – WHO/Bloomberg Philanthropies

At the official launch of the Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention in Geneva, Switzerland, it was revealed that Ghana records approximately 1,400 drowning deaths annually, shedding light on a significant yet largely overlooked public health crisis. This alarming figure underscores the devastating impact drowning has on families and communities across the country.

Speaking at the event held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Kelly Larson, Head of Injury Prevention at Bloomberg Philanthropies, emphasized the urgent need to prioritize drowning prevention as a public health issue. She highlighted that drowning claims more than 300,000 lives globally each year, with 90% of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

“In Ghana, the lack of comprehensive drowning data has made it difficult to fully understand the scale of the issue and implement effective interventions,” Larson said. However, she expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, supported by research and evidence-based strategies, will help reverse the trend.

To address this crisis, Bloomberg Philanthropies, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), conducted a pioneering study to investigate the factors contributing to drowning in Ghana. The findings revealed that incidents often occur in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, with children and young adults being the most vulnerable.

The research has laid the groundwork for targeted interventions. Larson noted that Bloomberg Philanthropies, alongside local and global partners, is advocating for government investment in drowning prevention programs. These programs will focus on data collection, identifying high-risk areas, and implementing proven solutions such as public awareness campaigns, swimming lessons, and the deployment of lifeguards.

Drawing from successful initiatives in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Uganda, Ghana will benefit from similar strategies. In Accra, efforts are already underway to provide basic water safety training and swimming lessons at popular beaches, while studies are being conducted to assess the effectiveness of lifeguards in reducing drowning incidents.

Larson stressed the importance of these initiatives, saying, “We are just beginning in Ghana, but the ultimate goal is to showcase how data-driven interventions combined with strong government commitment can save lives.”

The launch of the Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention marks a crucial step forward, providing governments with comprehensive insights and actionable recommendations. For Ghana, the report will serve as a roadmap for creating a national drowning prevention strategy.

Key recommendations include the establishment of community-based water safety programs, improved surveillance systems to gather accurate drowning data, and increased public awareness about water-related risks. By adopting these measures, Ghana aims to reduce drowning deaths and protect its most vulnerable populations.