One person has been confirmed dead, while multiple others sustained injuries after an Aayalolo bus suffered brake failure and crashed into traders near the COCOBOD frontage in Accra on September 1.
The incident occurred just before 6:00 pm, a period when shoppers had gathered in the busy area to board vehicles home. Eyewitnesses said the faulty bus drove directly into the crowd, instantly killing a woman whose identity has not yet been established by the Accra Regional Police Command. The victim is believed to have been in the area to shop.
Several traders who were selling along the median pavement were caught in the collision, sustaining various injuries while also losing their wares. The damaged bus was later towed away from the accident scene to ease traffic congestion.
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, visited the site to assess the situation firsthand. He immediately ordered traders to vacate the pavements, stressing that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) would not tolerate such practices.
“From tomorrow morning, nobody should come and sell here again,” he directed.
According to him, the tragedy occurred partly because traders had extended their activities from the pavements into the streets, creating unnecessary hazards. He assured that the AMA would strictly enforce by-laws to decongest the Central Business District and reduce future risks.
Some traders, however, voiced frustration with the directive. They argued that relocating to the Makola and Kwasiadwaso markets would have a negative impact on their businesses and daily survival.