Carelessness on the part of the driver chauffeuring players of the Kotoko club resulted in the tragic accident, this is according to the Nkawkaw Divisional Police Commander, Superintendent Jeff Darko.
Supt. Darko, one of the officers in charge of investigating the details of the accident indicated that the accident could have been averted if the driver of the bus, Berchie, had been extra careful, was driving with caution and was not speeding.
“If the driver had driven with caution and at a reduced speed”, this would not have happened.
He blamed the driver for failing to “exhibit discipline on the road”, the reason he says the accident occurred, contrary to reports suggesting it occurred because the said truck was parked by the roadside.
According to him, the truck with registration number AS 7329-13, was not parked but in motion.
“I don’t know if the driver did not see the road properly because if you were following a car which was not parked but in motion and still ran into it, that was unfortunate”. He admonished all drivers to be extra careful when driving.
“I will admonish drivers to exercise restraint, drive with caution and reduce their speed”, he stated.
The accused driver, Berchie, has since the incident been receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
The bus carrying the entire crew; players and technical staff, was involved in a terrible accident after running into a truck at Nkawkaw near Abepotia on Wednesday evening. The players are said to have been returning after a match with Inter Alies in the week 22 fixture of the Ghana Premier League.
The club has by far reported the death of one person; Deputy kit and equipment officer, Kofi Asare who unfortunately perished in the tragedy. The coach, Steve Polack, reports suggest, is in a critical condition. Several other members of the club also suffered various degrees of injuries in the accident.
Several persons including President Akufo-Addo and Former President John Mahama have shown support to the victims following the incident.
In a Facebook page comment the former President John Mahama said “Let’s remember Asante Kotoko S.C. in our prayers.”
President Akufo-Addo also, commenting on the tragedy shared in the sorrow of the victims.
Saddened by the news of the accident involving players & officials of Kotoko. My heart goes out to the team; speedy recovery to the injured.
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) July 13, 2017
The GFA, also in the wake of the accident issued a statement to support the victims.
The statement read:
“The Ghana Football Association has learnt with sadness, an accident involving the team bus of Kumasi Asante Kotoko on their return to Kumasi following their Premier League match with Inter Allies in Accra on Wednesday.
“The GFA and the entire football fraternity is devastated by the sad development.
Some Ghanaian footballers and personalities have also mourned with the players.
my thoughts and prayers are with the management, playing body and the supporters of Kumasi Asante Kotoko on this fatal accident @AnimSammy
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) July 13, 2017
Everyone at Inter Allies is saddened to learn of Asante Kotoko's accident. Our thoughts are with them & we share their pain. #PrayForKotoko pic.twitter.com/6AsX2fptRh
— Inter Allies FC (@InterAlliesFC) July 13, 2017
Meanwhile, General overseer of God’s Crown Chapel, Prophet Reindolf Oduro Gyebi popularly known as Eagle Prophet claims the Asante Kotoko's fatal accident happened because management of the club turned a deaf ear to a revelation he made to them.
According to him, he informed one of the management members that they should not return on the same day after their Ghana Premier League midweek matchday 22 fixture against Inter Allies on Wednesday, an advice they certainly did not heed to.
