MP expresses shock about rumours about his accident

Accra, April 16, GNA - Mr John Akologu Tia, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Talensi in the Upper East Region has expressed shock and dismay about reports in a section of the media on a motor accident he had at Abofuor, near Offinso on the Kumasi- Techiman road.

He said the Daily Mail quoting unconfirmed reports indicated that he and others sustained severe injuries while rumours were awash that both of his legs had been amputated and others said he was dead.

Mr Tia, who was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday, said he was hail and hearty and that he and a friend he was travelling with sustained minor injuries while his wife and daughter escaped unhurt.

He said on April 2 he together with the three others! were travelling to his hometown for the Easter Holidays; interact with his constituents and to attend to family matters and funerals when the accident occurred.

The MP said while negotiating a curve on the Abofour forest stretch he discovered that an oncoming articulated truck had almost occupied the whole road and to avoid a head-on collision he drove on the shoulders. It was when he was getting back onto the road that he lost control.

Mr Tia said the car tumbled several times over a distance of about 111 metres before coming back to its normal position, according to Police measurement.

He said they all came out of the car safely with minor bruises but the roof of the car was dented, the windscreen, front door glass and head lamps were all broken while the front grill was damaged and two of the tyres on the driver's side were deflated. The MP said he was sure it was because the y were all secured in their seat belts in addition to the air bags that saved their lives.

He said they reported at the Abofour Health Centre where they received first aid and went back to Kumasi where they spent the night before being assisted by Parliament to return to Accra the next day.

Mr Tia said apart from the shock of the accident; "I do not have any problem and wish to state that I am hale and hearty and none of my legs has been amputated and by his Grace I am alive".

He expressed his appreciation to all those who called on him either at home or on the phone to inquire about his health and promised his constituents that he would join them for the Easter festivities.