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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
The First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has announced that the government will soon launch a Free Primary Health Care Programme aimed at improving access to healthcare across the country.
She said the initiative, which will be launched by her husband, John Dramani Mahama, will provide free primary healthcare services at facilities such as the Anyima Health Centre.
Mrs. Mahama made the announcement during the commissioning of the newly renovated Anyima Health Centre in Anyima, Brong Ahafo region.
According to her, the programme is expected to increase the use of health services, support early detection of diseases, reduce healthcare costs for families and improve the overall health and productivity of citizens.
“My husband, President John Dramani Mahama, will soon launch the Free Primary Health Care Programme, which will provide free care at facilities like the Anyima Health Centre,” she said.
Handing over the facility to the community, the First Lady urged health workers who will serve at the centre to treat patients with dignity and compassion.
She encouraged them to work towards ensuring zero maternal mortality and zero infant mortality at the facility.
Mrs. Mahama further called on residents of Anyima to take full ownership of the health centre by keeping it in good condition and making good use of its services.
She appealed to traditional leaders in the area to help protect the facility so that it can continue to serve the health needs of the community for many years.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for stronger action to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for women in the workplace.
She made the call in a Facebook post after joining staff at the Presidency of Ghana to mark International Women’s Day.
The celebration was held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Promoting Equity for Every Woman in the Workplace” and focused on recognising the achievements of women while reflecting on the work needed to ensure equal opportunities.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang extended warm wishes to women across Ghana and noted that women have always played key roles in the country’s communities and economic activities.
According to her, women in the past served as healers, traders and queen mothers who contributed to leadership and governance in traditional societies.
She explained that Ghana’s cultural history shows that women have long provided knowledge, leadership and innovation to help develop communities.
The Vice President however noted that current disparities require society to examine systems and structures that may have limited opportunities for women.
She stressed that advancing gender equity will require deliberate actions and the mentoring of young women to prepare them for leadership roles.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang recognised women whose work takes place in markets, streets and small trading spaces across the country.
According to her, these women form the backbone of local economies and continue to demonstrate resilience despite the difficult conditions they face.
She commended women working at the Presidency for their dedication and leadership and reaffirmed the need to promote respect, fairness and opportunity for every woman.
The Vice President further called on both men and women to work together to break barriers and ensure that women can fully contribute to Ghana’s development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
