The Minority Caucus in Parliament has issued a strong appeal to the government to prioritise the completion of ongoing works on the Accra-Kumasi Highway following a fatal multi-vehicle collision at Birimso Bridge that left at least 15 people feared dead.
In a press statement released today, the Caucus expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy that occurred yesterday on the busy corridor. It extended deepest condolences to the bereaved families, sympathised with the injured, and wished them a speedy recovery.
“This unfortunate incident is yet another painful reminder of the urgent need to address the longstanding safety challenges on the Accra-Kumasi Highway,” the statement said. “Far too many lives have been lost on this highway, and the nation cannot continue to accept these recurring tragedies as inevitable.”
The Caucus called on the government to urgently complete all outstanding sections of the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway, including the existing bypasses and other unfinished works. It noted that while the government has committed US$1.7 billion for the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway Project — with the funds held in an escrow account at the Bank of Ghana — approximately US$300 million would be enough to finish the current bypasses and ongoing works on the existing road.
“While the long-term vision of constructing an expressway is commendable, the Minority Caucus believes that the immediate priority should be to complete the existing highway that can save lives now,” the statement stressed.
The Caucus urged that expediting these outstanding works be treated as a matter of national urgency even as preparations for the expressway continue.
The statement was signed by Hon. Kennedy Nyarko Osei, Ranking Member of the Roads and Transport Committee.
Accident
Two individuals have lost their lives, with seven others, including two females and five males, sustaining various degrees of injuries in the Birimso Bridge accident on the N6 Highway (Accra-Kumasi Highway).
The road traffic collision, which occurred yesterday, involved a fuel tanker, a Mitsubishi pick-up (GE-8602-17), a KIA Sorento (GT-8601-14), and an STC bus (GS-7050-22).
The fuel tanker, STC bus, and Mitsubishi pick-up were completely destroyed by fire, while the KIA Sorento sustained extensive damage.
Personnel from the Bunso fire station, led by ADOI Samuel Doe and Suhum Municipal Fire Station, led by ADOI Moses Quaye were at the scene, working tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
