Omanghana
A roadside trader was killed in an accident involving a commercial forklift at the Brewery Traffic Light in the Asokwa Constituency of Kumasi on Monday morning, September 21, 2026.
Eyewitnesses identified the deceased as a young mother of two known as Jennifer, although some accounts gave her name as Janet. She was reportedly selling pawpaw along the busy road when the incident occurred.
According to witnesses, the forklift was travelling through the industrial area when it allegedly suffered a brake failure and went out of control.
Traders and hawkers near the roadside reportedly attempted to escape as the machine moved towards them. While several people managed to run to safety, the victim was struck and dragged by the forklift.
She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency personnel and police later cordoned off the area as investigations began into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The incident has renewed public concern about the movement of industrial machinery on busy public roads and the risks faced by traders operating close to traffic.
Some residents have called on the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service to determine whether the accident resulted from a mechanical defect, excessive speed, operator negligence or a combination of factors.
Questions have also been raised about the inspection and maintenance of industrial vehicles operating within the commercial area, which hosts several major production and distribution facilities.
The accident has further revived debate about street hawking along heavily used roads in Kumasi. Critics have urged city authorities to enforce safety regulations while creating secure and accessible trading areas for people who depend on roadside commerce for their livelihoods.
Police investigations are expected to establish the ownership and mechanical condition of the forklift, as well as the actions of its operator before the fatal incident.
Source: Omanghana
