The search for the missing Lawra Senior High School students has officially ended after the final two bodies were recovered early Sunday morning, bringing the total death toll to seven.
Local authorities confirmed that the last victims were found in the Dewo River, approximately two kilometres downstream from the Dikpe section of the Black Volta River, where the canoe capsized on Saturday during a tragic morning exercise.
The students, all members of the school’s cadet corps, had set out for a routine jogging session when they attempted to cross the Black Volta using a canoe. The vessel overturned midstream, plunging all ten students into the river.
Three students managed to swim to safety, while the remaining seven were reported missing. A joint rescue effort involving local residents, NADMO, and community volunteers was launched immediately. By Saturday evening, five bodies had been recovered.
The remaining two were found early Sunday, concluding the 24-hour recovery mission.
Authorities say the Municipal Chief Executive, along with representatives from the Ghana Education Service and security agencies, will meet with the bereaved families to coordinate counselling support and funeral arrangements.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Lawra community, sparking calls for improved safety measures for students during school activities near water bodies.