Four hurt as minibus with failed brakes crashes into vehicles at Sofoline flyover in Kumasi

A serious traffic accident at the Sofoline flyover in Kumasi has resulted in four people sustaining significant injuries, authorities have confirmed. The collision involved three vehicles: a passenger minibus, a Toyota Corolla sedan, and a motorised tricycle commonly called a Pragia.

According to initial reports from the scene, the passenger minibus was descending the flyover when it experienced brake failure. This mechanical failure left the driver unable to control the vehicle, causing it to collide with the other two vehicles in its path. The impact of the crash was severe enough to leave four occupants with serious injuries, though full details about their identities and current medical status remain unclear at this time.

Investigation ongoing

Authorities are still piecing together the exact sequence of events that led to the brake failure and the subsequent collision. The Ghana Police Service has not yet issued an official statement regarding the accident, and investigators are expected to conduct a full examination of the minibus to determine whether the brake system failure was due to maintenance negligence, manufacturing defect, or driver error.

The lack of clarity on the circumstances underscores the need for swift action from traffic authorities to establish what happened and prevent similar incidents in future.

Why it matters for Ghana

Road safety remains a critical concern across Ghana's major cities and highways. The Sofoline flyover in Kumasi, one of the country's busiest transport corridors, sees thousands of vehicles daily. Accidents at such high-traffic junctions can cause significant disruption and pose risks not just to those directly involved but to other road users.

This incident highlights several ongoing challenges in Ghana's transport sector. Vehicle maintenance standards are frequently cited as a contributing factor to crashes, with many commercial minibuses operating with inadequate mechanical upkeep. Additionally, the prevalence of three-wheeler taxis (Pragias) sharing road space with larger vehicles creates inherent safety risks that require better traffic management and enforcement.

The Ghana Police Service's Road and Transport Directorate has previously launched campaigns to reduce road crashes through increased patrols and public awareness. However, incidents like this at prominent locations such as Sofoline flyover remind the public and authorities of the importance of regular vehicle checks, proper driver training, and strict adherence to speed limits on elevated sections of road where brake failure poses acute dangers.

Commuters in Kumasi and other major urban centres depend on the safety of shared transport. Ensuring that vehicles meet roadworthiness standards and that drivers receive proper training and monitoring is essential for protecting Ghana's travelling public.

Next steps

Residents and commuters are advised to exercise caution when travelling through the Sofoline area while investigations continue. Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to contact the nearest police station.