Seven students from Lawra Senior High School tragically lost their lives when their canoe capsized on the Black Volta River during a morning exercise on Saturday. The incident occurred as ten members of the school’s cadet corps were crossing the river near Dikpe in the Upper West Region. Their overcrowded boat overturned, throwing everyone into the water.
The students had been on their regular morning jog but had extended their route to the Dikpe Bridge area. It is still unclear why they decided to cross the dangerous river. Emergency teams and local residents immediately launched a search for survivors. By midday, they had recovered the bodies of four students, two boys, and two girls. However, three female students remain missing and are feared dead.
Three students managed to survive the accident and are currently receiving medical treatment and counseling to help them cope with the trauma. The incident occurred during what should have been a routine fitness activity. Sources at the school revealed that the cadet team frequently goes jogging in the mornings, but this was the first time they attempted to cross the river.
Eyewitnesses believe that the canoe was carrying too many people, causing it to become unstable and capsize in the middle of the river. Officials from the Ghana Education Service, Lawra Municipal Assembly, and local security forces have visited the scene to assist in coordinating the search for the missing students.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community and underscored the risks of using overloaded boats on the region’s rivers. Many rural communities depend on canoes for transportation, but safety standards are often lacking. Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate the three missing students, although hopes of finding them alive are dwindling as time goes by.
The school and the families of the victims are receiving support as they come to grips with the heartbreaking loss of young lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety measures when engaging in water-related activities. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From work deadlines to family obligations, it can feel like there is never enough time in the day to slow down and take a moment for ourselves. However, it is important to prioritize self-care and relaxation in order to maintain our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
One way to incorporate self-care into our daily routine is by practicing mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation that involves focusing on the present moment and being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. By practicing mindfulness meditation regularly, you can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve your focus and concentration, and increase your overall sense of well-being.
To begin practicing mindfulness meditation, find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down without any distractions. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. As you continue to breathe, bring your attention to the present moment and observe any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that arise without getting caught up in them.
If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breath or the sensations in your body. Remember that it is normal for your mind to wander during meditation, and the key is to gently guide your attention back to the present moment without judgment. You can start with just a few minutes of mindfulness meditation each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
In addition to mindfulness meditation, there are many other self-care practices that can help you relax and recharge. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as spending time in nature, practicing yoga, or reading a good book, can help you unwind and reduce stress. It is important to prioritize self-care and make time for yourself in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Overall, self-care and relaxation are essential for maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By incorporating mindfulness meditation and other self-care practices into our daily routine, we can reduce stress, improve our focus and concentration, and increase our overall sense of well-being. Remember to prioritize self-care and make time for yourself each day in order to live a happy and fulfilling life.
