A cement laden truck crashed into Walewale market on Friday, January 30, 2026, after its brakes failed, killing two people and injuring many others in the North East Region.
The truck with registration number GX 2851 2, after the brake failure, lost control near the Walewale Senior High Technical School and crashed into the crowd at the roadside market, destroying several properties including six tricycles, motorbikes and provision stores.
Two people were trapped under the vehicle and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Several severely injured individuals are receiving treatment at the Walewale Government Hospital, with some referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for further care.
The deceased were buried according to Islamic customs following the tragedy. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the out of control vehicle plowed through the market area, scattering traders and shoppers.
This incident marks the fifth accident at the market location since 2022, highlighting growing concerns about road safety in the area. Community members have repeatedly called for safety measures to protect the market, which sits dangerously close to a busy highway.
The recurring accidents at the same spot have raised questions about road design, traffic management and the placement of commercial activities near high speed corridors. Residents say heavy vehicles frequently pass through the area at excessive speeds, creating hazards for market users.
Emergency services responded to the scene, working to free trapped victims and transport the injured to medical facilities. Medical staff at Walewale Government Hospital confirmed receiving multiple casualties, some in critical condition requiring specialized treatment.
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) have been called upon to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and implement preventive measures.
Road safety advocates have urged authorities to conduct thorough vehicle inspections, particularly for heavy commercial trucks, and enforce stricter penalties for mechanical failures that endanger public safety.
The Walewale market tragedy adds to Ghana’s growing road accident toll. Recent statistics show that road crashes remain a leading cause of death and injury across the country, with brake failures and mechanical defects cited as common contributing factors.
Community leaders in Walewale have called for the construction of speed bumps, warning signs and possibly relocating the market to a safer location away from the main highway. They argue that preventive action is urgently needed before another tragedy occurs.
The police have launched investigations into the accident and are working to determine whether the truck had undergone required safety inspections. Authorities are also examining whether the driver took appropriate action when the brakes failed.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by poorly maintained commercial vehicles on Ghana’s roads and the vulnerability of roadside markets to such accidents.
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