The tranquil communities of Menuso and Okanta in Ghana were plunged into grief and mourning following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of two young apprentices. Miss Rahiya Mumuni, a 21-year-old seamstress apprentice, and Mr. Sulemana Ibrahim, a 20-year-old fitter mechanic apprentice, were tragically killed when the motorbike they were riding was struck by a Toyota Hilux pickup truck. The incident occurred around 7 pm on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, as the two were returning home to Menuso from their workplaces in Kadjebi. The accident took place in Okanta, a farming community situated between the two towns.
The driver of the pickup truck was allegedly the Menuso Sector Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, who was traveling from Menuso to Kadjebi. The impact of the collision was catastrophic, resulting in the immediate death of both Rahiya and Sulemana. The scene of the accident became a focal point of community grief and outrage. Overwhelmed by anger and sorrow, a group of youth from Okanta set the Toyota Hilux ablaze, destroying the vehicle beyond recognition.
News of the tragic accident spread quickly through the affected communities, leaving families and friends in shock and despair. Mr. Alidu Mumuni, Rahiya’s father, recounted the agonizing moment he received the news of his daughter’s involvement in the accident. He rushed to the scene, hoping to find her alive. Although he initially detected signs of life, his daughter tragically passed away while being transported to the hospital. The sudden loss of these two young, promising individuals cast a pall of sorrow over the entire region.
The Kadjebi District Police Commander, Superintendent Frank Nana Asomaning, confirmed the accident, describing it as a brutal incident. He revealed that despite the police’s timely arrival at the scene and their pleas to the youth to refrain from acts of violence, the crowd’s anger proved insurmountable. The Toyota Hilux was engulfed in flames, a grim testament to the raw emotions unleashed by the tragedy. The police were unable to prevent the destruction of the vehicle.
The bodies of Rahiya and Sulemana were released to their families for burial according to Islamic customs and traditions. The following morning, preparations were underway in both homes for the somber rituals of final farewell. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as families and community members gathered to mourn the untimely loss of these two young lives. The accident served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of road accidents.
The tragic incident underscores the need for increased road safety awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. The loss of Rahiya and Sulemana, two individuals with promising futures ahead of them, serves as a painful reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating impact that road accidents can have on families and communities. The incident also highlights the complex interplay of grief, anger, and community response in the aftermath of such tragedies. The burning of the vehicle, while an act of destruction, also served as an outlet for the raw emotions of a community grappling with profound loss. As the communities of Menuso and Okanta mourn the loss of their young members, the incident serves as a call for collective action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
