Tragedy struck when a school bus transporting more than 40 pupils of a preparatory school at Assin Edubiase in the Assin South District of the Central Region veered off the road and plunged into a river.

It resulted in the death of two kindergarten pupils of the Alice Elites Academy.

The deceased, a three-year-old and a five-year-old, were among pupils who were in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with registration number AS 2218-20.

The accident occurred on the Assin Kwafokrom-Homaho stretch on Monday [June 1, 2026].

Graphic Online understands that the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, it veered off the road, and plunged into the river.

Dozens of pupils got injured.

ASP Wonder Lumor from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Central North Regional Police Command told Graphic Online that the 40 injured pupils were transported to health facilities for emergency medical care.

According to him, 22 of the victims were taken to the St. Francis Xavier Hospital, while the 18 others received treatment at the Assin Edubiase Health Centre.

ASP Lumor explained that all the injured pupils responded positively to treatment and were later discharged.

graphic.com.gh

Ghana is set to repatriate nearly 700 citizens from South Africa this weekend as part of ongoing efforts to assist nationals affected by xenophobic attacks in the country.

The exercise marks the second phase of the government’s evacuation program for Ghanaians seeking to return home amid growing concerns over their safety and livelihoods. The first batch included 300 Ghanaians.

Speaking on JoyPrime News Flash on Wednesday, 3 June, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, disclosed that the repatriation exercise is scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday.

According to him, arrangements have been made to facilitate the voluntary return of approximately 700 Ghanaians from South Africa.

Mr Quarshie noted that although the diplomatic mission was unable to provide accommodation for those affected, members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa had stepped in to offer support.

“We are looking at repatriating nearly 700 people on Saturday and Sunday. While we did not provide accommodation, we are grateful that Ghanaian businesses and churches have stepped in to host them,” he said.

The latest evacuation follows the successful return of an initial group of Ghanaians as the government continues to respond to reports of intimidation, attacks and hostility directed at foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

Authorities say support measures have been put in place to assist returnees upon arrival in Ghana, including temporary relief and reintegration assistance.

The government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of Ghanaians both at home and abroad, as efforts continue to support citizens affected by the unrest.

myjoyonline.com

The Ga East Municipal Assembly has begun demolishing structures built in waterways and drainage reservations as part of efforts to reduce flooding and protect lives and property during the rainy season.

The exercise, which is currently underway in parts of the municipality, forms part of a broader strategy to enforce planning regulations and improve the free flow of stormwater through major drainage channels.

Speaking to JoyNews correspondent Stephen Mensah, officials said hundreds of unauthorised structures erected in waterways and flood-prone areas have been identified and will be affected by the ongoing demolition exercise.

A National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) official involved in the operation said the affected area serves as a major convergence point for floodwater from surrounding communities, making it particularly vulnerable to flooding whenever there is heavy rainfall.

“The water is this one at the back. When it rains, the water rises and meets runoff coming from Madina towards this area,” the official explained.

He noted that when water levels increase, nearby communities become inundated.

“You can see the level. The water rises to that point and floods all these areas. That is why we are carrying out this exercise,” he said.

According to the official, removing structures obstructing the watercourse will help ensure the smooth passage of floodwater.

“We are doing this so that the water can move freely from the upper sections through the channel. All these areas get flooded, but people are still building here,” he added.

Residents in the area acknowledged the persistent flooding challenges.

One resident said movement becomes difficult whenever the drains overflow.

“When the gutter overflows, the whole place gets flooded and we don’t have anywhere to pass,” he said.

Another resident attributed the worsening flooding situation to recent developments along the waterway.

“It was not like this before. But after the building was put up there, I realised that it was contributing to the flooding,” she said.

The Assembly has warned that more unauthorised structures obstructing drainage channels will be pulled down in the coming days as authorities intensify efforts to mitigate flooding across the municipality.

myjoyonline.com