On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, a distressing road accident involving eight Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates from Nangbagu Yapala M/A JHS sent shockwaves through the community. The students were en route to sit their crucial examination at the Tamale Secondary School (Tamasco) examination centre in the Sagnarigu Municipality when the incident occurred.
Tragic Collision and Immediate Aftermath
The accident transpired approximately 5km from the examination centre. The tricycle, commonly known as a “motorking,” transporting the students, collided with a motorbike carrying a man and his wife. The impact was severe, resulting in the immediate death of the motorcyclist at the scene. His wife and all eight BECE candidates sustained varying degrees of injuries, casting a grim shadow over what should have been a pivotal day in their academic lives.
Abdulai Mohammed, a supervisor accompanying the students, recounted the harrowing details. He stated that the crash occurred after the tricycle’s steering reportedly locked, causing the rider to lose control and veer directly into the path of the motorbike.
Struggle for Care and Missed Opportunity
Following the collision, efforts were made to transport the injured students to the Tamale West Hospital. However, Mr. Mohammed highlighted a concerning delay due to an ongoing strike, which meant it took some time before two nurses and one doctor were able to attend to them. This delay in immediate medical attention undoubtedly added to the distress of the students.
Despite their injuries and the ordeal they had endured, the students displayed immense determination to sit their examination. Tragically, their resilience was met with disappointment. By the time they arrived at the examination centre, the first paper had already concluded, and other students were emerging. Their plea to be allowed to write was denied, a devastating blow given the circumstances.
Emotional Toll and Community Concern
The news of being unable to sit the paper had a profound emotional impact on the already traumatized students. Mr. Mohammed described the heartbreaking scene, stating that some of them began collapsing upon hearing the news and had to be rushed back to the hospital. This incident underscores the severe emotional and psychological toll such unforeseen events can have on young individuals, especially during high-stakes periods like examinations.
The accident has ignited significant concern among community members and various education stakeholders. There are now urgent calls for immediate support and redress for the affected students, recognizing the unique challenges and disadvantages they now face. The incident also brings to the forefront the issue of tricycles being used for passenger transport in Ghana. While “motorkings” are not legally permitted to carry passengers due to safety risks, they are widely utilized in both rural and urban areas, particularly where safer and more accessible transportation options are limited. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with such unregulated transport and the urgent need for safer alternatives.
Although the students had not been discharged, they were determined to sit the exam. Unfortunately, they arrived after the first paper had ended.
“When we got to the centre, the first paper was over, and the other students were coming out. We pleaded for our students to be allowed to write, but they were denied,” he added.
Source: Thepressradio.com
