Five people sustained gunshot injuries after armed robbers attacked a VIP JEOUN passenger coach on the Accra–Kumasi Highway late on Thursday, July 30. This incident was one of two separate highway robbery attacks involving the transport operator within two hours. The first and more serious attack occurred at about 11:00 p.m. between Apedwa Junction, Nkronso, Akooko, and Akyem Asafo in the Eastern Region. A VIP JEOUN coach travelling from Accra to Sunyani came under heavy gunfire during this ambush.
The assailants used a vehicle to block the highway, trapping three passenger coaches before launching a coordinated robbery operation. The driver, his mate, and three passengers suffered gunshot wounds. They were immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment, with the driver later transferred to the 37 Military Hospital for specialist care. Police officers from the Suhum Division of the Eastern South Regional Police Command responded to a distress call, engaging the robbers in a gun battle. The police forced the robbers to flee and cleared the obstruction to restore traffic on the highway.
These incidents highlight a persistent challenge to safe inter-city travel in Ghana, particularly on major arterial roads like the Accra–Kumasi Highway. Highway robberies have been a recurring issue, impacting public confidence in long-distance transportation and posing significant security risks to passengers and transport operators. The frequency of such attacks often leads to calls for increased police patrols and improved intelligence gathering along known hotspots. This situation could deter domestic tourism and affect economic activities reliant on road transport.
Barely two hours after the first incident, at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, another VIP JEOUN coach travelling on the Kumasi–Sunyani Highway was attacked by armed robbers at Potrikrom. The attackers opened fire on the vehicle, damaging its windscreen. However, an armed security escort travelling with the coach returned fire, forcing the robbers to retreat before they could rob passengers or cause injuries. A police patrol team later arrived to secure the scene, underscoring the immediate response capabilities of law enforcement.
Reacting to the incidents, VIP JEOUN reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety. The company stated it would continue collaborating with the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to enhance security on its routes. This commitment is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the viability of long-distance passenger transport services. The Ghana Police Service faces ongoing pressure to deploy more resources and implement effective strategies to curb these criminal activities. The safety of passengers remains a paramount concern for both transport operators and the government.
The implications of these attacks extend beyond the immediate injuries and property damage. They could lead to increased operational costs for transport companies, potentially resulting in higher fares for passengers. There is also a risk of reduced passenger volumes if fears about highway safety persist. Decision-makers will need to consider enhanced security measures, possibly including more frequent armed escorts or advanced surveillance technologies. The government's response to these incidents will be closely watched by the public and the transport industry alike. Ensuring secure travel routes is vital for Ghana's economic stability and social well-being.