Driver remanded after crash that killed two schoolchildren on Kumasi–Bibiani highway

A 50-year-old driver has been remanded into police custody over a road crash that left two pupils dead and several others injured on the Kumasi–Bibiani highway in the Ashanti Region.

Richard Botwe appeared before the Nkawie Circuit Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, where he pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. The case, presided over by Mr Robert Addo, has been adjourned to 22 December 2025.

Prosecutor Police Inspector Kwaku Frimpong told the court that Botwe was driving a Kia Rio truck with registration number AS 9519-19 from Abuakwa towards Kasapei near Bibiani at about 06:00 on 11 June 2025. Near Atwima-Mim, he is alleged to have carried out an improper overtaking manoeuvre, cutting in front of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with registration AS 4379-22, belonging to Mim Life Gate International School and carrying 17 pupils and two female teachers. The truck is said to have struck the offside of the school bus.

All 17 children and the two teachers sustained injuries and were taken to Afari Community Hospital. Three of the pupils were later referred to A-One Hospital at Kumasi-Santasi, where two of them were pronounced dead.

According to the prosecution, a breath test showed Botwe had an alcohol level of 0.135, significantly above the permitted limit of 0.08. In his caution statement, he allegedly admitted the offences. After further investigations, he was charged and brought before the Nkawie Circuit Court, where the judge ordered his remand into police custody pending the next hearing.