Jaway Wharf (W/R), April 23, GNA - Papa Owusu-Ankomah, the Minister of Interior, has said it would be disastrous for boat owners to regulate their own security and safety.

He said each district assembly must institute a security and standard safety measure to avoid accidents, fire out breaks and other disasters on rivers, lakes and lagoons in the country.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah said these when he visited Jaway Wharf on the Ghana/Cote d'Ivoire boarder on Friday.

Interacting with boat and canoe owners who operate on the Abbey Lagoon that links Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire, the minister said it was improper for boat and canoe owners to check over loading, boat safety and worthiness.

He said such owners who have business motives could underestimate the value of such measures and this could result in fatal accidents. Papa Owusu-Ankomah appealed to the Jomoro District Assembly to get a body that would be responsible for boat safety, maintenance and inspection.

"If this is not done, the economic boom in the area can be greatly affected," he said. Mr George Amoako, Secretary of the Juen Outboard Motor Boat Owners Union, said lack of access by members to outboard motors was making their operations difficult.