Residents of Sumbrungu in Ghana's Upper East Region are protesting a recent fatal accident on the Bolgatanga–Navrongo Highway that claimed the lives of two young men. The accident occurred on Sunday, October 25, 2026, along the Sumbrungu–Azimsum stretch of the highway. According to Assembly Member for the Sumbrungu-Azorebisi Electoral Area, Dr Elias Ayinbila Apasiya, the accident involved wrongful overtaking, raising concerns about dangerous driving and heavy truck movement.
The Sumbrungu youth have threatened to construct speed ramps themselves if authorities fail to address longstanding road safety concerns. They described their intended approach as the “Bulsa way”, signalling their determination to act independently if their demands are not addressed. Dr Apasiya stated that residents had repeatedly appealed to the government and road authorities to install speed ramps at strategic locations to reduce speeding.
Residents organised a demonstration in June or July 2026, during which the Upper East Regional Minister, Regional Police Commander, and officials of the Ghana Highway Authority engaged them over their concerns. However, Dr Apasiya lamented that the community had yet to see the expected interventions. Frustration is growing among residents, with some young people threatening to take matters into their own hands.
Gilbert Alolika, a resident, expressed concern about recurring fatal accidents along the Sumbrungu–Azimsum stretch, blaming dangerous driving and heavy truck movement for the risks faced by motorists and pedestrians. He confirmed that two people had died in the latest accident and called for a minute of silence in their memory. Mr Alolika extended his condolences to the bereaved families and urged authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further deaths.
Residents maintain that excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, and the absence of adequate speed-control measures continue to expose road users to danger. They are calling on the government, Ghana Highway Authority, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to intervene and introduce measures to improve safety along the highway. The community wants authorities to assess sections of the road considered dangerous and implement effective speed-control interventions.
Although some youth have threatened to construct speed ramps themselves, the installation of such structures on a major highway requires technical assessment and approval from relevant road authorities to avoid creating additional hazards. As families mourn the two young men, residents expect the latest tragedy to prompt action on their longstanding concerns. They insist that improving road safety along the Sumbrungu–Azimsum stretch must be treated as a priority.
The community is still reeling from the impact of previous accidents, including one involving students who had attended a graduation ceremony at Akayet University. Residents say that the frequency and severity of accidents on the stretch require urgent attention from road safety authorities. They are hopeful that authorities will take immediate action to prevent further loss of life and improve road safety along the highway.
Key points
- The Sumbrungu youth are threatening to construct speed ramps themselves if authorities fail to address longstanding road safety concerns.
- The recent fatal accident on the Bolgatanga–Navrongo Highway involved wrongful overtaking and raised concerns about dangerous driving and heavy truck movement.
- Residents are calling on authorities to assess sections of the road considered dangerous and implement effective speed-control interventions to protect pedestrians, motorists, and other road users.
