Gender Minister Assures Support for Fatal Bukom Crash Victims
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has assured families affected by the fatal Bukom road crash of government’s support following a visit to the bereaved family, injured survivors and the scene of the tragedy. The visit, undertaken alongside the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, comes a day after the devastating accident at Bukom Junction in Accra, where a vehicle reportedly lost control on Monday July 27 and ploughed into pedestrians, killing a young woman and leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries. The incident, has sparked renewed concerns over road safety in densely populated communities across the capital.
Addressing the bereaved family and members of the community, Dr. Lartey conveyed government’s condolences, describing the loss of the young woman as deeply painful and assuring victims that they would not be left to face the aftermath alone. “Our hearts go out to the bereaved family and all those who sustained injuries. It is heartbreaking that a young lady in the prime of her life has lost her life. We pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment and strength for everyone affected by this tragedy,” she said.
The minister disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama, after receiving reports of the accident, directed her and the Greater Accra Regional Minister to visit Bukom to assess the situation firsthand, sympathise with the affected families and offer government’s support. During the visit, the delegation inspected the accident scene, called on the family of the deceased and visited some survivors who have since been discharged from hospital. They also received updates on victims who remain on admission. Dr. Lartey said government would assess the needs of the injured to determine the appropriate assistance to provide. She explained, however, that any support relating to the deceased’s family would be guided by the outcome of ongoing legal processes, as the matter is currently before the court.
She also emphasised the importance of strengthening road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies. According to her, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, in collaboration with the Mayor of Accra and the area’s Member of Parliament, will engage relevant institutions and stakeholders to identify practical interventions to improve safety within the community.
Leading the delegation also included the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Alfred Nii Ashie Kotey, and the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, The Gender Minister further commended residents, especially the youth of Bukom, for their swift response in rescuing victims immediately after the crash. “We are grateful to the young people and the entire community for their compassion and solidarity during this difficult moment. Their prompt response undoubtedly helped save lives and ensured the deceased was handled with dignity,” she said.
The Bukom tragedy has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road traffic regulations and improved safety measures at busy intersections and pedestrian zones, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Author: Joyce Owusu
