Driver Held Over Drunk and Dangerous Driving Charges

A 50-year-old driver, Richard Botwe, is in police custody after being remanded by the Nkawie Circuit Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region. He faces charges of dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Botwe pleaded not guilty to both charges when he appeared before the court presided over by Mr Robert Addo. He is expected to reappear on December 22, 2025.

Police Inspector Kwaku Frimpong, prosecuting, told the court that the incident occurred on June 11, 2025, at approximately 6:00 am on the Kumasi-Bibiani highway. Botwe, driving a Kia Rio truck with registration number AS 9519-19, was travelling from Abuakwa towards Kasapei near Bibiani.

According to Inspector Frimpong, Botwe attempted to overtake a Mercedes Benz sprinter bus, registered AS 4379-22, belonging to the Mim Life Gate International School. The bus was carrying 17 pupils and two female teachers at the time.

“The accused person wrongly overtook the bus near Atwima-Mim, resulting in a collision that damaged the off-side of the vehicle,” Inspector Frimpong stated. All occupants of the bus sustained injuries and were rushed to the Afari Community Hospital.

Sadly, three of the pupils were transferred to the A-one Hospital in Kumasi-Santasi, where two were pronounced dead. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

A subsequent test revealed Botwe’s blood alcohol content to be 0.135, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08. “In his caution statement, the accused admitted to the offences,” the prosecutor added. Following investigations, he was formally charged and brought before the court.

The case has sparked outrage among parents and community members, who are calling for swift justice. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol to prevent such tragedies.

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