Minority Demands Action After Birimso Bridge Fatal Crash

The Minority Caucus has issued a demand for immediate action on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, declaring that “the nation cannot continue to accept these recurring tragedies as inevitable” following Monday’s fiery multi-vehicle crash at Birimso Bridge that claimed three lives.

In a statement issued on August 4th, the Minority called on the government to prioritise completing outstanding works on the existing highway, arguing that the US$300 million needed for urgent safety upgrades should take precedence over the long-term US$1.7 billion expressway project.

The crash, which involved an STC bus, a fuel tanker, and two other vehicles, has once again exposed the perilous state of Ghana’s busiest road corridor.

“Enough Is Enough” – Minority

 Kennedy Nyarko Osei, Ranking Member on the Roads and Transport Committee, led the Minority’s condemnation, demanding that expediting ongoing bypasses and safety works be treated as “a matter of national urgency.”

“While the long-term vision of constructing an expressway is commendable, the immediate priority should be to complete the existing highway that can save lives now,” the statement read.

The Minority noted that although US$1.7 billion has been set aside in an escrow account for the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway, a fraction of that sum – approximately US$300 million – would be sufficient to complete safety-critical works on the current route.

“We share in the grief of the affected families and stand in solidarity with all those who have been impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the statement added, extending condolences to the bereaved.

Crash Details

The crash, which occurred on the N6 Highway near Bonsu Junction in the Eastern Region, involved a State Transport Company (STC) bus, a fuel tanker, a Mitsubishi pick-up, and a Kia Sorento. The fuel tanker and the STC bus were completely engulfed in flames following the collision, while one of the tankers plunged off the bridge into the Birim River.

Initial reports from the Ghana National Fire Service indicate that the crash resulted from a wrongful overtaking attempt. According to DOIII Aaron Ohemeng Adu, Eastern Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, a fuel tanker travelling from Kumasi to Accra attempted to overtake the STC bus, leading to a head-on collision with the Kia Sorento.

The death toll rose to three on Monday evening when an 11-year-old girl, an occupant of the Kia Sorento, succumbed to her injuries at Haw Memorial Hospital. While unconfirmed reports initially suggested a higher number of fatalities, STC management has confirmed that all 31 passengers aboard its bus were accounted for and survived, though some sustained minor injuries.

The highway has been completely blocked in both directions, bringing traffic to a standstill. Police have implemented temporary diversions, routing Accra-bound traffic through Kibi at Nsutam and Kumasi-bound traffic through Apedwa. Emergency personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department remain at the scene conducting rescue operations.