Roadside trader killed by runaway forklift at Brewery Traffic Light in Kumasi

Pinned summary · as of 16:36

A woman who sold pawpaws by the roadside died on Monday, 21 September, when a heavy forklift ploughed into traders at the Brewery Traffic Light in the Asokwa area of Kumasi. Police were called to the junction and have started looking into what happened.

What we know

• On Monday, 21 September 2026, a heavy-duty forklift hit a roadside trader named as Jennifer, who died at the Brewery Traffic Light junction in Asokwa, Kumasi.
• Both Rainbow Radio Online and The Press Radio reported that the machine went out of control and headed towards traders working near the junction.
• Another trader, Ama Sefa, escaped the path of the forklift, according to the two reports. Rainbow Radio Online quoted her as saying she and Jennifer had been working between halted vehicles before the machine came at them.
• Police were alerted and went to the scene to handle the situation and begin an investigation, and the body was taken to a mortuary.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

• ?
  Rainbow Radio Online described the forklift as having suffered brake failure, while The Press Radio said only that it allegedly developed a brake problem. The cause has not been established, and the operator's actions are expected to be part of the police inquiry.
• ?
  Rainbow Radio Online reported that Jennifer died instantly at the scene after being dragged by the machine; The Press Radio did not give this detail.
• ?
  The Press Radio said, citing reports it did not name, that police impounded the forklift; this has not been confirmed by other reports.

Why it matters for Ghana

Many traders in Kumasi and other Ghanaian cities earn a living selling to motorists at busy junctions, often just metres from moving heavy vehicles. The death raises questions about the condition of large vehicles on urban roads and the safety of people who work beside traffic. The outcome of the police investigation will determine whether anyone is held responsible.