NKAWKAW, Ghana — A bus accident involving the Monack football club in Ghana’s Eastern region has left one person dead and 62 others in critical condition, local authorities reported on Saturday.
The incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. local time on the Atibie road in the Kwawu mountains, as the team was returning from a tournament in Obo. The bus, with registration number GE7652-15, was carrying players and staff of Monack FC when it crashed under circumstances that are still being investigated.
Nkawkaw Municipal Fire Commander, Division Officer II Samuel Mante, confirmed the incident to local media. “We received an alert early Saturday morning about a severe accident involving a football team,” Mante said. “Our teams responded promptly to provide rescue and support services.”
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at two local medical facilities: Nkawkaw Holy Family Hospital and Kenop Care Hospital. Medical staff at both hospitals have been working around the clock to stabilize the patients, many of whom are reported to be in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses who assisted in the rescue operation praised the quick response of the Fire Service personnel. However, they also highlighted ongoing safety concerns on the Nkawkaw-Mpraeso road.
“This stretch of road has been a concern for night travelers,” said Kwesi Ampofo, a local driver who helped with the rescue. “We’ve been urging the government to install streetlights to improve visibility and reduce accidents, especially during night hours.”
The accident has reignited discussions about road safety in Ghana, particularly on mountainous routes and during night travel. The Ghana Road Safety Authority reported 2,924 fatalities from road accidents in 2023, emphasizing the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety measures.
Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility and the challenging terrain of the Kwawu mountains may have been contributing factors.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “We are devastated by the news of this tragic accident involving Monack FC,” said GFA President Kurt Okraku in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire football community in the Eastern region.”
