
Six Seriously Injured in Tragic Head-On Collision Near Akrade
Introduction
A devastating head-on collision near Akrade in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region has left six people, including a toddler, fighting for their lives. The tragic accident, which occurred on Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, has once again highlighted the deteriorating condition of the Tema–Akosombo highway and the deadly dangers posed by unavoidable road defects.
Key Points
- Six people seriously injured, including a two-and-a-half-year-old child
- Collision involved a KIA Rhino truck and a private saloon car
- Accident caused by drivers attempting to avoid a pothole
- Victims transported to Volta River Authority Hospital in Akosombo
- Third major accident in Asuogyaman District this month due to poor road conditions
Background
The catastrophic crash took place on the Tema–Akosombo highway, one of Ghana’s most critical transportation corridors. The accident involved a KIA Rhino truck traveling toward Accra from Akosombo and a private saloon car moving in the opposite direction. According to initial reports, the collision was triggered when one of the drivers attempted to swerve around a large pothole, a maneuver that sent the vehicle directly into the path of oncoming traffic.
Analysis
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for road safety improvements in Ghana. The Tema–Akosombo highway has long been plagued by deteriorating infrastructure, with local assembly members previously petitioning the Ghana Highway Authority to address the dangerous conditions on the Akrade stretch. The lack of street lighting and deep craters that become invisible after dusk create a perfect storm for accidents, particularly during evening hours when visibility is already compromised.
The timing of this accident—occurring at approximately 6:20 PM as daylight was fading—significantly complicated rescue efforts. The severity of the impact was such that the KIA Rhino driver remained trapped in his crushed cabin for several hours, requiring extensive efforts from local residents and commuters who attempted a manual extraction while waiting for emergency services.
Practical Advice
For drivers navigating roads with known hazards like potholes:
– Reduce speed when approaching areas with poor road conditions
– Maintain a safe following distance to allow for sudden stops
– Use high beams when appropriate to improve visibility of road defects
– Report dangerous road conditions to local authorities
– Consider alternative routes when possible to avoid known problem areas
FAQ
**Q: What caused the head-on collision near Akrade?**
A: The collision was caused by drivers attempting to avoid a large pothole on the Tema–Akosombo highway, which resulted in one vehicle swerving into oncoming traffic.
**Q: How many people were injured in the accident?**
A: Six people were seriously injured, including a mother, her two-and-a-half-year-old child, and her husband who were traveling in the saloon car, as well as the occupants of the KIA Rhino truck and an unidentified male rescuer.
**Q: Where were the victims taken for treatment?**
A: The injured victims were transported to the Volta River Authority (VRA) Hospital in Akosombo for emergency medical care.
**Q: How common are accidents on this stretch of road?**
A: This incident marks the third major accident in the Asuogyaman District this month alone, attributed to poor road surface quality and inadequate lighting.
Conclusion
The tragic head-on collision near Akrade serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of road infrastructure maintenance and safety measures. As Ghana continues to develop its transportation networks, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for comprehensive road rehabilitation projects, improved lighting systems, and proactive hazard management to prevent future tragedies. The six individuals fighting for their lives today are not just statistics but represent families and communities impacted by preventable road accidents.
Leave a comment