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December 16th , 2024

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TRAGEDY ON GOMOA OKYEREKO HIGHWAY: THREE DEAD, 20 INJURED IN COLLISION

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3 days ago




A devastating road accident on the Gomoa Okyereko stretch of the Kasoa-Winneba highway has left three people dead and 20 others critically injured. The tragic incident involved a head-on collision between a Sprinter Benz bus and a Hyundai Grace minibus, leaving a somber reminder of the dangers of reckless driving.

The collision, which occurred on the morning of December 12, 2024, claimed three lives on the spot. The injured passengers were rushed to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital, where they are receiving medical attention. According to eyewitness accounts and reports from Citi News, the Sprinter bus, registered as GW 5477-24, was traveling from Winneba to Kasoa, while the Hyundai Grace, registered as GR 5899-22, was headed in the opposite direction.

Municipal Fire Officer for Winneba, DO 2 Frederick Adu-Poku, shed light on the circumstances leading to the accident. He explained that the Sprinter bus driver’s attempt at wrongful overtaking caused the crash. "This tragic accident could have been avoided if the driver had exercised patience and waited for the vehicle ahead of him to pass," Adu-Poku stated.

The tragic scene on the highway has reignited concerns about road safety in Ghana, particularly during the festive season when traffic increases significantly. Adu-Poku emphasized the importance of adhering to road regulations to prevent similar incidents. "Drivers must understand that the laws of Ghana apply to everyone, including those on the road. Speeding, wrongful overtaking, and impatience are often the root causes of such tragedies," he added.

The Gomoa Okyereko stretch, which connects major towns in the Central Region, has gained notoriety for accidents, especially during the festive period. Authorities have repeatedly warned motorists about the dangers of reckless driving, but incidents like this highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

This recent accident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of negligence on the road. While law enforcement agencies continue to call for compliance with traffic laws, many drivers fail to heed the warnings, putting lives at risk. With three lives lost and 20 families grappling with the uncertainty of their loved ones' recovery, the aftermath of this tragedy serves as a call to action for all road users.

Adu-Poku’s appeal to drivers was poignant: "We urge all drivers, especially during this festive season, to be cautious and patient on the road. These preventable accidents leave behind grieving families and disrupt lives irreparably. Let this be a wake-up call for everyone to prioritize safety over speed."

The Ghana Police Service and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) have also reiterated their commitment to ensuring safer roads. Patrols on major highways have been intensified, and roadblocks have been set up to check for speeding, drunk driving, and other violations. Despite these measures, the onus remains on drivers to make responsible decisions.

This particular stretch of the Kasoa-Winneba highway has long been flagged as a high-risk zone due to its narrow lanes, sharp curves, and heavy traffic. Regular users of the route have often called for infrastructural improvements to reduce accidents. While these calls have yielded some results, such as the installation of road signs and speed bumps, driver behavior remains a critical factor in ensuring safety.

The festive season, which typically sees a surge in road users traveling to their hometowns or tourist destinations, often records an increase in accidents. Authorities have urged travelers to plan their journeys carefully, avoid night travel, and report reckless drivers to the police.

In light of this tragedy, several civil society organizations have called for more comprehensive road safety campaigns. Education, they argue, is key to changing the attitudes of drivers who often prioritize speed over safety. These campaigns should target both commercial and private drivers, emphasizing the shared responsibility of protecting lives on the road.

As families of the deceased mourn their loss and the injured battle for recovery, this incident underscores the need for collective action to make Ghana’s roads safer. The consequences of inaction are dire, as this accident painfully illustrates.

The tragedy on the Gomoa Okyereko highway is a sobering reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility. While law enforcement agencies and policymakers have roles to play, drivers must take personal accountability for their actions behind the wheel. By exercising patience and adhering to traffic regulations, such accidents can be prevented, saving lives and sparing families from untold grief.

As Ghana continues to develop and its road networks expand, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility among road users is paramount. The lessons from this accident must not be ignored. For the families of the victims, justice and accountability remain a priority, as do prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. This tragedy must serve as a turning point in the country’s approach to road safety, ensuring that the loss of these lives is not in vain.

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