A tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three people—including two schoolchildren—has led to the arrest and remand of a 50-year-old driver, Richard Botwe, who police say was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
The Nkawie Circuit Court, presided over by Mr. Robert Addo, on Monday remanded Botwe into police custody after prosecutors revealed damning preliminary findings. His plea was not taken, and he is scheduled to reappear in court on July 11, 2025.
According to Police Inspector Kwaku Frimpong, Botwe, a licensed professional driver, was behind the wheel of a Kia Rio (AS 9519-19) on the morning of June 11, en route from Abuakwa to Bibiani. Around 6:00 a.m., while passing through Atwima-Mim township in the Ashanti Region, he reportedly lost control and veered into the path of a school bus belonging to Mim Life Gate International School (AS 4379-20).
The collision was severe. Seventeen pupils, a teacher, and the school bus driver sustained various injuries and were rushed to Afari Community Hospital. Sadly, the school bus driver, aged 55, and two pupils—aged eight and ten—died shortly after admission.
Breathalyzer tests conducted by the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) showed Botwe’s blood alcohol content at 0.135%, significantly exceeding Ghana’s legal limit of 0.08%.
In a caution statement to police, Botwe admitted to drinking alcohol the night before the accident, though he claimed he felt capable of driving at the time.
The prosecution has charged him with multiple counts including dangerous driving, driving under the influence, and causing death by motor vehicle.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of drink-driving laws and routine roadside testing, particularly involving commercial drivers responsible for transporting schoolchildren and other vulnerable passengers.
