One Dead, Two Critical After Head-On Collision on Accra–Tema Motorway; GNFS Launches Manhunt

One person has died and two others remain in critical condition following a head-on collision between a fuel tanker and a tipper truck on the Accra–Tema Motorway, an incident that has once again exposed the persistent dangers on one of Ghana’s busiest transport corridors.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the driver of the fuel tanker, who fled the scene following the crash. The driver of the tipper truck was killed on impact, making him the sole fatality recorded so far.

Emergency Response and Ongoing Recovery

Speaking to journalists at the scene, GNFS Public Relations Officer DO II Ebenezer Yenzu said emergency teams were working to clear debris, manage traffic flow, and restore safety along the busy stretch. Personnel were flushing the road surface with water to reduce the risk of vehicles slipping as recovery operations continued.

“We are envisaging about two hours, estimating that around 11:30 we would have been done… But due to the impact, some of the lockers are not decoupling. So we need to use other means and hit it where we can be able to move the vehicle as well,” Yenzu said.

Three other occupants were involved in the crash alongside the deceased driver. One has since been discharged from hospital, while two remain on admission receiving treatment. The injured were initially transported to the General Hospital.

Lane Confusion Suspected

While investigations into the precise cause of the collision are ongoing, preliminary assessments suggest that lane confusion may have been a contributing factor. “For now, I would not want to conjecture, but looking at it from a technical eye, you could realise that… one vehicle veered into another lane, leading to the head-on collision,” Yenzu explained.

The revelation that the fuel tanker driver has yet to be located raises additional questions about accountability and road safety enforcement on Ghana’s highways. Emergency crews remained at the scene well into the afternoon as efforts continued to fully clear the motorway and restore normal traffic flow along the Accra–Tema corridor.

A Recurring Crisis on Ghana’s Roads

The incident adds to a troubling pattern of fatal road accidents involving heavy commercial vehicles on Ghana’s motorways. Head-on collisions between tankers and other trucks have become alarmingly frequent, often resulting in loss of life, fuel spillages, and extended road closures that disrupt commerce and commuter travel alike.

The tragedy follows other recent road disasters, including a school bus accident at Assin Homaho that claimed the lives of two pupils, underscoring the systemic nature of Ghana’s road safety crisis.

Road safety advocates have long called for stricter enforcement of speed limits, better lane discipline training for commercial drivers, and improved highway design to prevent vehicles from crossing into opposing lanes. The Accra–Tema Motorway, originally built to facilitate efficient movement between the capital and its industrial port city, now routinely experiences gridlock caused by accidents, construction, and sheer volume of traffic.

As authorities piece together the circumstances of Monday’s crash, the broader question remains: what will it take to make Ghana’s roads safe for the millions who depend on them daily?

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE