Ama Dela survivors ask for compensation

Published in the Daily Graphic on 17/08/2010, pg 19

Story: Matilda Attram
Exactly 25 years ago today, when more than 30 lives were claimed at the Tema Harbour during the launch of ‘Amma Dela’, a fishing vessel, no compensation has been paid to survivors and families of those who perished in that tragedy.
Consequently a survivor of the accident, Mr Chris Ackummey, has called on the National Insurance Commission and the government to come up with compensation packages for survivors and families of those who perished in that tragedy.
He said the accident was believed to have been caused by a faulty keel of the boat, which claimed more than 30 lives on board, living just few who could survive.
On August, 17, 1985, a tragedy hit the Tema Fishing Harbour when a newly launched fishing vessel capsized and drowned 50 people who had gone on board for a cruise shortly after the unveiling of the vessel.
The 35-footer motor trawler, constructed by KOFIFO Boat Yard Company Limited and owned by Somen Fisheries Limited, keeled over about 15 metres from the wharf after negotiating a curve to return to the quay.
Some victims survived with the help of fishermen who swam towards the vessel to rescue people on board.
Mr Ackummey yesterday told the Daily Graphic in Accra that “according to reports, the boat had not been insured, hence no compensation was paid to survivors and families of those who perished”.
Mr Ackummey claimed his appeal to the National Insurance Company and the government to compensate survivors and families of those who perished lives was in line with the practice in other countries.
“In other countries, the National Insurance Company takes up compensation matters when there is no insurance cover for the deceased,” he stated.
Some survivors of the tragedy include Mr Joe Okyere of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) and Mr Gamel Nkum, formerly of GCGL.