The motorbikes in flames
The Manso Watreso community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region has been plunged into grief following a horrific motorbike crash that ended in a deadly inferno, killing three young men on the spot in what eyewitnesses have described as the most disturbing accident in the area’s recent memory.
The Monday morning tragedy occurred between 9:00 am and 10:00 am when two speeding motorbikes—each carrying a rider and a passenger—smashed into each other head-on on a dusty stretch of the Watreso road. The impact was so fierce that both bikes burst into flames almost instantly, trapping the riders in a fiery blaze.
“There was a deafening bang, and when we rushed out, the entire scene was on fire,” recounted Kwame Manu, a visibly shaken resident. “The victims were screaming, but there was nothing we could do. The fire was just too intense.”
Three of the four men involved were burnt beyond recognition, dying on the spot. The lone survivor is reportedly in critical condition and receiving treatment. The charred remains of the deceased have been taken to the morgue at St. Martin’s Hospital in Agroyesum.
Eyewitnesses and local authorities have blamed the crash on speeding and reckless riding—two deadly habits that have become increasingly common among young motorcyclists in the area. The road itself has also come under scrutiny, with locals citing poor conditions, lack of signage, and zero traffic regulation.
“This road has claimed too many lives,” said a community elder. “We need the government to step in now—not tomorrow. How many more of our youth must die?”
The rise of commercial motorbikes, popularly known as okada, in Ghana’s rural districts has led to a surge in fatal road crashes. In places like Manso, where public transport is limited, these bikes have become both a lifeline and a looming danger.
The Amansie South District Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, and is urging witnesses to come forward with any information.
As families mourn their loved ones, the entire community is demanding urgent action to prevent more of such fiery tragedies from happening again.
From David Afum, Manso Watreso