No security or common sense reason for speeding presidential convoys - Kofi Bentil

Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has reacted to the May 19, 2024, fatal crash involving the presidential convoy.

The crash led to the death of one driver in the convoy with other close security aides and policemen sustaining injuries.

Reacting to the development via his Facebook page, Bentil lamented why state convoys drive at top speed.

"There is absolutely no good reason for State Convoys to drive as fast as they do!!! There’s neither a security reason nor a common sense justification!!!@ he submitted.

He recalled how such speeding convoys 'abandoned' former President Kufuor when he was once involved in an accident in Accra.

"Remember when President Kufuor was involved in an accident, it was street vendors who pulled him out of the wreck, most of his security was not near because they had sped ahead!!

"So what’s the point of all the security detail driving so fast and recklessly in convoys?" he questioned.

The crash was first reported on social media in the late afternoon of Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Accra-based UTV, one of the first outlets to report the incident added a video showing a massive wreck.

The caption of their post read: "President Akufo-Addo's convoy has been allegedly involved in a tragic accident at Bunso Junction, Eastern Region.

"According to reports, the convoy was crossed by a KIA Rhino truck, resulting in a collision that claimed the life of one individual and left others seriously injured."

The report has since been confirmed by a statement from The Jubilee House signed by Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications.

TWI NEWS

The release titled: "PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO’S CONVOY INVOLVED IN FATAL ACCIDENT ON ACCRA-KUMASI HIGHWAY," gave more details into the incident.

Among other things, it confirmed the site of incident stating: "several vehicles belonging to the President’s convoy were involved in a fatal accident along the Bunso-Akyem Asafo stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway."

"Tragically, one of the drivers, Mr. Kwesi Atta, has lost his life. Additionally, several close protection and police officers from the President's security detail have sustained varying degrees of injuries, and received initial treatment at the Suhum Government Hospital.

"The injured persons are currently being evacuated to the University of Ghana Medical Centre for further treatment and observation," the statement disclosed.

Whereabouts of president:

According to the statement, "the convoy was on its way back from Kumasi, after accompanying the President to Kumasi for a series of events this weekend.

"Fortunately, the President is safe and unharmed, as he travelled to Accra via military aircraft."

Read the full statement below:

SARA