Tapa-Abotoase (V/R), March 31, GNA - A team of personnel of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has been stationed at Tapa-Abotoase to enforce maritime safety standards and rules on the operations of boats on the Volta Lake.

The team under the leadership of Mr Adangiak Akanteyam, Chief Ship Surveyor of the GMA would ensure observance of the lake safety code to stem overloading and drunkenness among boat operators on the Lake. Chief Adangiak told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that all boats would soon be registered and the owners licensed and educated on how to ensure safety on the Lake.

He said the team was currently studying the terrain to introduce some transformations such as new lake regulation and design and boat construction.

Mr Kaizaro Morgano, Secretary of the Abotoase Boat Owners Association expressed appreciation of the team's desire to ensure discipline on the Lake and pledged the preparedness of the Association to support the team at all times.

He appealed to the government to provide the Association with communication gadgets to enhance their activities. Nana Kwame Ampertey, Chief of Abotoase commended government for the decision to station naval personnel in the town and assured the team of the support of the traditional area.

He cautioned, however, "it is a taboo in the town for a man to hold the hand of a married woman, touch her shoulder or the buttocks in public".