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"I thank God I am in one piece” - President Kufuor
Accra, Nov. 14, Ghanadot/GNA - "I thank
God, I am in one piece", President John Agyekum Kufuor told
newsmen after escaping unhurt in a motor accident involving
his convoy at a crossroads on the Airport – 37th Military
Hospital Road in Accra, on Wednesday.
He was on a normal drive from his Airport Residence to work
at the Castle, Osu, when a blue black Mercedes benz elegance
saloon car with registration number GT 2989 W, being driven
at top speed, overtook a line of vehicles that had stopped
for his motorcade to pass and rammed into his car.
The impact was such that the armoured black benz classic
carrying the President, fell on its side landing on a golf
saloon car parked on the other lane.
Giving his account of what happened, he said, all traffic
had stopped as the motorcade passed and "all of a sudden
there was a flash and I saw this vehicle".
He said his driver quickly swung the vehicle and "I heard a
big bang. Before I knew my car was on its side with the
wheels up".
President Kufuor, who looked well composed and showed not
the slightest sign of shock or pain, said people around
helped to turn it back on its wheels and forced the door
opened to enable him to come out.
Asked about the condition of his health, he responded, "I
should think I am fine", a viewpoint, shared by medical
experts, after examination.
The Minister of The Interior, Mr Kwamena Bartels said the
tragic accident showed the kind of carelessness,
irresponsible conduct and negligence on the country's roads.
He said if the driver had heeded the siren and stopped, this
would not have happened.
"I hope we would all learn a lesson from this and obey
traffic regulations," the Minister said.
On speculations that there could be a sinister motive behind
the accident, Mr Bartels said the police were investigating
the accident and did not think there was any basis.
A test conducted by the police with a Breathalyzer on the
driver just after the accident showed his alcohol in-take at
1.8, which is well beyond the permissible level. He has been
placed in police custody.
Meanwhile, President Kufuor continued with his normal
routine, granting audience to two delegations from the Wassa
Fiase Traditional Area and Birem North District.
The chiefs of Wassa Fiase led by the Omanhene, Osagyefo
Kwamena Enimil IV, conveyed their appreciation to the
Government for the construction of the Agona Nkwanta -
Tarkwa road; the upgrading of the Tarkwa School of Mines
into a University; elevation of Tarkwa into a Municipality
and the creation of the new district for Bogoso.
They appealed for the establishment of a Petroleum
Engineering Department at the University of Mines, saying,
this had become necessary with the discovery of oilfields at
Cape Three Points.
President Kufuor said the Agona – Nkwanta - Tarkwa road was
of immense economic importance to the economy in view of the
huge volume of natural resources transported on it, hence
Government's decision to put it in good shape.
He said the elevation of Tarkwa into a municipality and the
creation of a district for Bogoso would enable the area to
earn more resources for development.
The Birim North delegation said they were at the Castle to
show their gratitude for the appointment of their Member of
Parliament, Madam Esther Obeng-Dapaah, as Minister of Mines,
Lands and Forestry.
They complained about the slow pace of work by the
contractors on the Ayirebi – Ofoase - Kotoku road.
President Kufuor warned that non-performing contractors
would have their jobs terminated.
GNA
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