In a remarkable show of bravery, a 59-year-old driver, Isaac Ayim, narrowly escaped death after being shot by armed robbers on the Gomoa Akoti-Kwanyako highway in the Central Region.
Despite sustaining gunshot wounds to the head, Ayim managed to drive himself and his assistant to the nearest police checkpoint for help.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday, January 11, when Ayim, driving a Kia truck with his mate, Frimpong Kojo, encountered a group of five armed robbers on the highway.
The robbers reportedly used torchlights to signal the vehicle to stop before opening fire.
Several bullets penetrated the windscreen, with some striking Ayim’s head. Despite the injury and with blood dripping down his face, Ayim maintained his composure and continued driving, eventually reaching a police checkpoint several meters away from the attack site.
His quick thinking and bravery ensured the safety of both himself and his mate.
Recounting the harrowing experience, Ayim said in Twi: “We were told robbers were on the road, so we waited at Akraman before proceeding. When we finally drove off, someone flashed a light at us, but I didn’t stop, fearing it was the robbers. They started shooting, and though I was hit, I kept driving until we reached the police station.“
Ayim was initially taken to the Gomoa Potsin Polyclinic for treatment but was later transferred to the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, where he is currently receiving further medical care.
The robbery has sparked renewed concerns among residents and commuters who use the Gomoa Akoti-Kwanyako highway, a stretch that has reportedly seen several similar attacks in recent months.
Many commercial drivers and passengers have expressed fears over the rising trend of highway robberies and are calling on authorities to bolster security measures in the area.
Speaking to 3News, some drivers urged the police to be better equipped and adequately resourced to patrol the area effectively.
The Central Region has seen a rise in robbery cases in recent years, particularly on highways linking major towns.
