A student of the University of Media Arts and Communication, known as UniMAC, has died after he was knocked down by an unregistered vehicle while crossing the Dzorwulu traffic light intersection in Accra.
The student, identified as Nelson Blay Taurus, was hit near the traffic lights close to the footbridge leading towards Achimota Forest on Tuesday afternoon.
He had earlier visited campus and was on his way home when the incident occurred between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., according to records from Academic Affairs and eyewitness accounts.
Verified information from the University’s Head of Security, the Ghana Police Service, eyewitnesses and the family indicates that the driver initially stopped and pretended to offer help.
However, the driver later abandoned Nelson at the scene. His body was later discovered by a police patrol team in the Korle Bu area.
The clarification follows the circulation of conflicting reports on social media and an earlier publication that contained inaccuracies.
UniMAC authorities and student leaders say the correct account was established after engagements with security officials and police.
The UniMAC SRC president elect, Moses Desire Kouyo, together with the Coordinating Committee Chairperson, Mrs Clarissa Bandoh Amoako, met university management on Wednesday to confirm the facts surrounding the incident.
The meeting was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Eric Opoku Mensah, the Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Abroampa, the Registrar, Dr Oforiwaa, the Dean of Students, Dr Ike Tandoh, the Head of Security, Mr Ohene, the Director of Academic Affairs, Mr Felix Botah, representatives of the Justice for Nelson initiative and student leaders.
Management expressed condolences to the student body and indicated that an official statement would be issued to acknowledge the loss.
Student leaders raised concerns about communication gaps and fee related challenges that led to Nelson’s visit to campus.
Academic Affairs assured students that steps would be taken to improve clarity and timely communication.
The family of the deceased met separately with management and is currently completing processes regarding the body.
They thanked the university for its support and engagement during the difficult period. Students have been urged to show restraint and compassion in public commentary as the family mourns.
University management also clarified that the construction of a footbridge at the location does not fall under the direct responsibility of the institution, but rather government agencies, local authorities and the area Member of Parliament.
Student leaders say advocacy efforts will be directed at those institutions to push for safety interventions.
Meanwhile, the incoming SRC says it will intensify student education on road safety and discourage the use of unapproved crossing points.
Plans are also underway to hold a vigil in Nelson Blay Taurus’s memory, with details to be announced.
UniMAC students say the tragedy has left the campus community in shock, as they continue to mourn a colleague whose life was cut short.
What students are asking for is Footbridge
Beyond mourning Nelson, students say his death reflects a much bigger problem. The 335 Junction at North Dzorwulu has, for years, been the site of frequent accidents, many involving students crossing to attend lectures.
Despite repeated complaints and petitions to state institutions and key government officials, students say no lasting solution has been implemented.
Several students told Metro TV that crossing the road daily feels like a gamble, especially during peak traffic hours.
They argue that the absence of a footbridge or safe crossing point has turned a routine walk to class into a life threatening risk.
The student body is now calling on UniMAC management to push further in engaging key government agencies for the construction of a footbridge at the junction to prevent further loss of life.
Students are also demanding swift intervention from the Roads and Highways Ministry, the Education Ministry and the Member of Parliament for the area.
They warn that if immediate steps are not taken, they may resort to protests and formal petitions to the Roads and Highways Minister, Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, and the area MP, John Setor Dumelo, to press for urgent action.
Nelson Blay Taurus’s soul, the SRC said, should rest in perfect peace.
