Tragic Collision on Cape Coast–Takoradi Highway Claims Seven Lives, Injures 18
A devastating road traffic accident on the Cape Coast–Takoradi Highway has left seven people dead and 18 others seriously injured, casting a pall over one of Ghana’s busiest transport corridors.
What Happened
The fatal collision occurred on the evening of Monday, January 12, 2026, at around 7:25 p.m. at Komenda Asamasa in the Central Region.
According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the crash involved a Mercedes Sprinter bus (registration GS 6705‑21) bound for Takoradi and a Man Diesel truck (registration GS 8394‑Y) traveling in the opposite direction toward Cape Coast.
Eyewitnesses said the truck lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed, leading to a violent head‑on collision. The impact forced the bus off the road, where it smashed into thick roadside vegetation, leaving several passengers trapped in the wreckage.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Local first responders and firefighters from the Komenda Fire Station were quickly mobilized to the scene. By the time they arrived, 18 passengers had already been pulled from the wreckage by bystanders and initial rescuers.
However, six people remained trapped, and it took specialized extrication work to free them. Tragically, all six — including three men, two women (one pregnant), and a baby — were pronounced dead on arrival at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. A third female victim, previously taken to hospital by bystanders, also died, bringing the death toll to seven.
Meanwhile, the 18 injured survivors are receiving urgent medical care for a range of injuries, from fractures to internal trauma.
Aftermath and Road Safety Concerns
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released as authorities work to notify next of kin. Following the rescue operation, GNFS teams remained at the scene to clear debris, broken glass, and hazardous fluids that posed danger to other motorists.
This tragic accident once again highlights the need for heightened road safety enforcement, especially on major highways where high speeds and risky overtaking maneuvers can have deadly consequences.
Final Thoughts
As the country mourns this heartbreaking loss of life, there is a renewed call for drivers to exercise caution, obey traffic laws, and prioritize safety both for their own lives and the countless others who share the road.