A tragic accident involving the convoy of Ghana’s Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, claimed the life of a security officer and injured eight others on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
The accident occurred at Ohene-Nkwanta near Nobewam, off the Kumasi-Accra highway, around 1 pm. The collision involved four vehicles: two Toyota Land Cruisers, a Mercedes Benz C180, and a Benz Sprinter bus.
The deceased, Mumuni Fuseini, was a staff in the office of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and a member of the Closed Protection Unit. He had been serving as Samira Bawumia’s bodyguard for close to eight years.
However, the Second Lady sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital. Reports indicate that she is in stable condition.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded to the distress call and arrived at the scene within 12 minutes. The GNFS said it is investigating the cause of the crash and added that the eight victims suffered varying degrees of injuries.
Tributes and Condolences
The Vice President took to Twitter to announce the death of Mumuni Fuseini and express his sorrow and condolences to his family and friends.
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon. It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of Mumuni Fuseini, a staff member in my office. He died yesterday from an accident involving a vehicle in the Convoy of the Second Lady, Hajia Samira. Fuseini was a hardworking member of the Closed Protection Unit. He has since been buried according to Islamic traditions. My condolences to his family and friends. May Allah forgive Fuseini’s shortcomings and grant him Jannah,” he wrote.
The Vice President also wished his wife a speedy recovery and thanked the public for their prayers and support.
Other political leaders and public figures also joined in mourning the loss of Mumuni Fuseini and sending their sympathies to the Second Lady and the other victims.
President Nana Akufo-Addo expressed sadness over the news and prayed for God’s comfort and healing for the bereaved family and the injured.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, expressed shock and sadness over the accident and urged the authorities to ensure road safety and prevent such tragedies.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, conveyed deep sadness over the death of Mumuni Fuseini and prayed for his soul and the recovery of the Second Lady.
In addition, John Mahama also expressed sadness over the news and extended his condolences to the Vice President and his family. He wished the Second Lady and the other victims a speedy recovery.
The accident has once again highlighted the need for improved road safety and infrastructure in Ghana, where road accidents are a leading cause of death and injury.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department released the latest data, which shows that road accidents in 2023 claimed the lives of 2,080 people and injured 12,380 others, representing a 13.8% increase from 2022.
Moreover, the government has pledged to take measures to reduce road fatalities and enhance the quality of roads and transport services in the country.
The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, said the government is working on a comprehensive road safety strategy that will include public education, enforcement of laws, and provision of emergency services.
The accident has also reminded the nation of the value of life and the importance of unity and solidarity in times of crisis.
The Vice President and the Second Lady have been widely praised for their contributions to the development and welfare of Ghana, especially in the areas of education, health, and women empowerment.
The Vice President, who is also the head of the Economic Management Team, has been instrumental in implementing policies and programs that have boosted the economy and improved the living standards of Ghanaians.
The Second Lady, who is also the founder and CEO of the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects, has been active in promoting literacy, maternal health, and gender equality in Ghana and beyond.
The accident has also shown the resilience and compassion of the Ghanaian people, who have rallied behind the Vice President and the Second Lady and offered their prayers and support.
The nation hopes and prays for the full recovery of the Second Lady and the other victims, and the peace and comfort of the family and friends of Mumuni Fuseini.
May his soul rest in peace.
Source: Daily Graphic
