Omanghana
A high-level government delegation has visited Bukom in Ga Mashie to sympathize with families affected by the devastating road accident that claimed the life of 22-year-old Esther Arthur and left 22 others seriously injured.
The delegation was led by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo. The visit was undertaken on the instructions of President John Dramani Mahama.
They were accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, and the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey.
Delegation inspects accident scene
The officials toured the accident scene at Bukom Park and inspected damage reportedly caused by the vehicle as it veered off the road and struck pedestrians.
They later visited the family of Esther Arthur to convey the government’s condolences and assure them of the state’s support during their period of grief.
The delegation also visited the homes of some of the injured survivors. During one of the visits, Dr Lartey met a young victim who had sustained a severe bone fracture. The minister reviewed the child’s medical X-rays and offered words of encouragement to the family.
Government praises Bukom youth
Dr Lartey commended young people and other residents of Bukom for responding quickly after the crash.
Before professional emergency responders arrived, community members reportedly pulled victims to safety, provided initial assistance and arranged transportation to the Ussher Polyclinic and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The minister said their courage and selflessness helped prevent further loss of life.
Medical expenses covered
Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie confirmed that the medical expenses of the hospitalized victims had been fully covered, reducing the immediate financial pressure on affected families.
The government also pledged to continue monitoring the recovery of those receiving treatment and to provide additional support where necessary.
Officials consider new safety measures
The accident has prompted calls for stronger protections around Bukom Park and other heavily populated pedestrian areas.
Dr Lartey said the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Accra Mayor and Odododiodio MP would engage transport operators, road agencies and community leaders to develop practical safety measures.
The proposed intervention is expected to examine traffic movement, pedestrian protection and ways of preventing vehicles from entering crowded areas around the park.
Driver remanded for two weeks
The driver reportedly told investigators that the vehicle went out of control after suffering total brake failure.
A court has remanded the driver in police custody for two weeks while police investigators and mechanical experts examine the vehicle and assess the validity of that explanation.
The delegation said the executive branch would allow the judicial process to proceed and await the outcome of the investigation. Authorities are expected to determine whether a mechanical defect, poor maintenance, driver negligence or other factors caused the fatal crash.
Source: Omanghana
