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Locomotive engine crashes into GOIL fuel tanker at Takoradi
A Ghana Railway Company Limited locomotive engine, on Wednesday morning crashed into a GOIL fuel tanker at the rail crossing, near Takoradi Container Terminal (TACOTEL) on the Sekondi-Takoradi road, in the Western Region.
The incident caused spillage of huge volumes of diesel fuel into the neighbourhood in New Takoradi.
The Crime Officer at the Marine Police in Takoradi, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Solomon Debi, who confirmed the story to the Ghanaian Times, said the driver of the tanker, Mohammed Abubakar, 48, had been arrested.
He, however, said the locomotive driver is being sought to assist police in investigations.
ASP Debi said, “We are investigating the matter. The tanker driver claimed his engine suddenly ceased, that’s why the tanker stopped all of a sudden on the rail line. He said he got down and was stopping the locomotive engine, but, it couldn’t stop.”
Eyewitnesses narrated that the bulk road vehicle with registration number AW 2705-11, loaded with diesel stopped on the rail tracks due to engine failure.
He said the locomotive engine emerged from the Railway headquarters in Takoradi and on getting to the scene could not stop and run into the truck and overturned It.”
Ghanaian Times was told that the automatic signaling system at the level crossing was not functioning at the time of the crash.
The locomotive engine that emerged from the harbour enroute to Kojokrom, crashed and grazed that tanker causing huge damage.
“The driver and the mate of the tanker escaped unhurt while the locomotive engine continued gliding to Kojokrom,” Charles Egyir, an eyewitness recalled.
Another eyewitness recalled, the timely arrival of police crash team and deployment of five fire tenders to the scene prevented what could have become another explosive situation in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, following the Apollo junction gas explosion, some few weeks ago.
He said “they quickly spread the diesel tanker with foam powder to avoid any combustion and explosion and in about two hours the situation had been controlled”.
Meanwhile, the crash team had towed the head of the fuel tanker to allow traffic flow on the Sekondi-Takoradi road.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TAKORADI
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
