Ghana Road Safety Crisis: 15 Killed in Kumasi-Sunyani Accident as Ga Mantse Recounts Survival Ordeal

Ghana is mourning the loss of at least fifteen lives following a devastating head-on collision on the Kumasi–Sunyani road, involving a Ford Transit bus and an emergency ambulance. The tragedy, which occurred as the passenger bus traveled from Kumasi toward Drobo, has sent shockwaves through the nation. All fifteen passengers aboard the Ford Transit were pronounced dead at the scene, underscoring the lethal nature of the impact. The ambulance involved was reportedly transporting a pregnant woman for urgent medical care at the time of the crash. While the fatalities on the bus are confirmed, the medical status of the pregnant woman and the ambulance crew remains uncertain, pending official updates from authorities.

Investigations into the horrific incident have commenced at Mankranso Hospital, where the bodies of the deceased were transported. Initial reports suggest the collision was a head-on impact, though the specific cause of the crash is still being determined by local police. This mass casualty event adds to a growing list of fatal accidents on major Ghanaian highways, sparking renewed concerns over road safety, vehicle maintenance, and the risks faced by emergency response vehicles navigating busy transit routes.

In a poignant parallel to the ongoing road safety crisis, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, recently shared his own harrowing experience following a separate serious road crash. Speaking during a visit from the police, the traditional leader detailed a grueling five-hour journey to reach a specific health facility in Accra after his accident. The King credited his survival to the swift actions of Officer Kennedy Frimpong, who provided essential first aid and coordinated his evacuation. The Ga Mantse’s ordeal, which prompted a personal call from former President John Dramani Mahama to ensure his medical needs were met, highlights the critical role of first responders and the complexities of emergency transport in the country.

The King’s account further emphasizes the vulnerability of all road users, regardless of status. He expressed profound gratitude to Officer Frimpong and called for formal recognition of the officer's lifesaving efforts. These separate yet equally alarming incidents emphasize the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and a more robust emergency response framework across Ghana. As the nation reflects on the lives lost in the Kumasi-Sunyani tragedy and the survival story of the Ga Mantse, the pressure mounts on authorities to address the systemic issues contributing to road traffic accidents and to ensure that all citizens can travel safely.