A tragic scene unfolded at the Kejetia Market area in Kumasi after a speeding truck reportedly ran over and killed an elderly woman believed to be the mother of a Ghanaian military officer. The heartbreaking incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, has left witnesses in shock and sparked emotional scenes at the busy commercial hub.
Eyewitnesses say the woman was crossing the road near the Kejetia roundabout when a heavily loaded truck lost control while descending from the Adum stretch. The driver, in a desperate attempt to avoid hitting other vehicles, reportedly swerved but ended up striking the woman, dragging her several meters before finally coming to a stop. The impact was so severe that she died instantly at the scene.
Moments later, the victim’s son — identified by onlookers as a serving military officer — arrived after being alerted by traders who recognized the woman. Upon discovering that it was his mother who had been killed, the soldier reportedly broke down uncontrollably. According to witnesses, he screamed and collapsed beside the lifeless body of his mother as soldiers and passersby tried to console him.
“He couldn’t believe it. He was shouting his mother’s name and crying uncontrollably,” an eyewitness told reporters. “When other soldiers arrived, they tried to calm him down, but the pain was too much. It was one of the most emotional scenes we’ve ever seen here.”
The situation quickly escalated as more security officers arrived at the scene to prevent angry youth and traders from attacking the truck driver, who was accused of reckless driving. The driver, visibly terrified, was rescued by police officers and taken into custody at the Kumasi Central Police Station for investigation.
Police sources confirm that the deceased’s body has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy, while the truck has been impounded for inspection. Traffic at Kejetia reportedly came to a standstill for nearly an hour as emotional crowds gathered to witness the aftermath.
The military has since been informed of the development, and sources say an internal report is being prepared to assist in the ongoing police investigation. The Ghana Armed Forces are also expected to provide support to the bereaved officer and his family.
Meanwhile, many Ghanaian on social media have expressed deep sympathy for the soldier and condemned the rising cases of road accidents in the Kejetia area. Some have called on authorities to impose stricter traffic controls and ensure that heavy-duty trucks are restricted from moving through crowded parts of Kumasi during peak hours.
As investigations continue, the Kejetia tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers on Ghana’s busy roads — and the devastating impact reckless driving can have on innocent lives and families.
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