Ghana Road Safety: Ga Mantse Survives Crash as Fatal Tanker Accident and Reckless Driving Penalties Highlight Risks

Ghana has seen a series of significant road traffic incidents in February 2026, ranging from high-profile escapes to tragic fatalities and judicial interventions. The Office of the Ga Mantse has confirmed that King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II survived a vehicle accident in the Oti Region, while a separate mechanical failure in the Ashanti Region claimed the life of a 55-year-old trader. These incidents, alongside recent court rulings against careless driving, underscore the persistent challenges of road safety and the critical importance of emergency response and legal accountability. Regarding the high-profile incident in the Oti Region, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II was returning to Accra on February 17, 2026, from an urgent mission when his vehicle was involved in a crash. According to a statement from the Palace, there were no casualties, and all individuals involved were successfully evacuated with the assistance of security personnel and aides. The King and his team underwent medical examinations and have since been discharged in stable condition. The Ga Mantse expressed his gratitude to the evacuation team and well-wishers, noting that he is making steady progress under continuous medical monitoring. In a more somber development, a fatal accident at Kaase in the Asokwa Municipality of the Ashanti Region resulted in the death of a 55-year-old trader identified as Owusu, popularly known as 'Wayomi.' The tragedy occurred when a gas tanker, registered GT 5560-16, suffered a brake failure while descending a hill. The heavy vehicle rolled back, crushing two trotros and a Toyota Vitz. While a nurse and her mother in the Vitz survived the five-vehicle collision, Owusu was trapped under the tanker while attempting to escape his vehicle. The Ghana National Fire Service and Police responded to the scene, though the incident caused significant traffic disruption and the loss of life. Meanwhile, the judicial system is taking steps to address human error on the roads. The Adabraka District Court recently fined driver Evans Amankwa 50 penalty units (GH¢600) following a careless driving incident on February 2, 2026. Amankwa, operating a Daewoo Matiz, collided with an articulated truck, injuring his passenger, Edmund Wisdom Azumah Kwaku. The court noted that the driver failed to exercise due care, leading to the injuries and subsequent medical expenses. These diverse incidents highlight the varying causes of road trauma—ranging from mechanical failure to negligence—and emphasize the ongoing need for vigilance by all road users in Ghana.