18 injured as northbound bus overturns on Tema-Akosombo highway

Eighteen people were hospitalised after a passenger bus overturned on the Tema–Akosombo Highway near Adele-Kpoe on Wednesday, August 5. The accident has renewed concerns about road safety on one of Ghana's major transport corridors, which sees heavy traffic from commercial vehicles daily.

The accident involved a Mercedes-Benz bus (registration AS 427-09) that was en route from northern Ghana to Ashaiman when it encountered mechanical failure. According to the Ghana National Fire Service, the vehicle suffered a front tyre burst whilst in motion, which caused the driver to lose control. The bus subsequently veered off the highway and overturned, trapping one passenger inside the wreckage.

Fire service personnel and emergency responders attended the scene and successfully extricated the trapped victim before transporting all 18 injured passengers to Akuse Government Hospital for treatment. The extent of injuries sustained has not been disclosed, though all victims were conscious enough to be transported by road.

Emergency response and rescue operation

The Ghana National Fire Service's swift response prevented what could have been a significantly worse outcome. Rescue teams had to carefully extract one passenger from the overturned vehicle, a process that typically requires specialised equipment to safely remove occupants from damaged vehicles without causing additional injuries. The coordinated response highlights the importance of emergency preparedness on major highways, though response times remain a challenge on routes connecting Ghana's regions.

Why it matters for Ghana

Road accidents remain a persistent public health crisis in Ghana, with the Tema–Akosombo corridor accounting for a notable share of incidents on the country's highway network. This stretch connects the industrial port city of Tema to the Volta Region and serves as a critical route for goods transport from northern regions. Regular accidents on this road disrupt commerce, strain hospital resources, and contribute to Ghana's high road fatality rates.

Mechanical failures like tyre bursts are frequently cited contributors to fatal crashes. The condition of commercial vehicles, enforcement of maintenance standards, and driver fatigue remain systemic issues. Many long-distance buses operate under pressure to complete journeys quickly, sometimes compromising vehicle maintenance and driver safety protocols. This incident underscores the need for stricter vehicle inspection regimes and enforcement of safety standards by regulatory authorities.

Passengers travelling on this route—whether heading to or from northern Ghana—face regular safety risks. The hospitality and commercial sectors that depend on passenger movement between regions are also affected by disruptions caused by accidents and road closures.

Ongoing safety concerns

Road safety in Ghana remains a significant challenge, with vehicle defects, poor road conditions, and human error contributing to numerous accidents annually. The National Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders have called for improved driver training, regular vehicle inspections, and better road maintenance. However, implementation remains inconsistent across different regions and road types.

The Tema–Akosombo Highway, being a major economic artery, deserves particular attention to safety infrastructure, including better lighting, clear road markings, and regular patrols by safety officers.