On 4 January 2026, Kofi Darko, a 39-year-old driver’s assistant, tragically lost his life while attempting to fix a mechanical issue on a Yutong bus in Takoradi.
The accident occurred as he worked on the bus’s rear wheels at the Takoradi main station.
Bus driver William Opoku Asare reported that he was unaware Darko was working on the vehicle. The previous day, he had engaged a mechanic to address the same fault.
Having known Darko for twelve years, Opoku described him as curious about mechanical work, often assisting hired mechanics with repairs.
After returning from a trip to Accra with tourists, Opoku discovered the bus had developed a problem. He had parked the vehicle in Abenbebom and contacted the mechanic about a new leak.
While Opoku rested, he did not realize his assistant had taken some tools to attempt the repair himself. Tragically, Darko was crushed by the bus while working.
“I had just returned from Accra with tourists to the Takoradi Harbour when I noticed that the bus had developed a fault. I decided to address the issue at the Takoradi main station. My assistant and a mechanic worked together to fix it. After completing the repairs, we drove the bus from the station and parked it at Abenbebom.
“The following morning, I discovered that the vehicle felt unbalanced. I contacted the mechanic again to report this new development, and he advised me to start the engine and check for any leaks. We identified a leak, so I opted to rest while waiting for the mechanic’s arrival.
“Unbeknownst to me, my assistant had gone to get some tools to try to fix the issue himself. He was alone and working near the rear wheels when the bus crushed him. I received a call that delivered the tragic news”, he said.
Despite a prompt response from the Ghana National Fire Service, Darko was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial investigations were conducted by the police.
The body has been taken to the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital morgue.
Opoku has informed Darko’s family, who are coordinating efforts to retrieve the body for burial. However, Opoku expressed concern over the police’s unwillingness to release the body promptly.
Darko’s family plans to send a delegation from Kumasi to assist with the investigation and facilitate the return of his body.
“The family in Kumasi has mentioned that they will send a delegation to Takoradi to assist with the investigation and hopefully to retrieve the body for burial”, Opoku added.
Reporting by Isaac Hughes in the Western Region
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