Ghana head coach Otto Addo, along with assistants John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda, escaped serious injury in a car accident on the Tarkwa-Takoradi road.
The trio were returning to Accra after attending the ‘Champion of Champions’ match between FC Samartex and Nsoatreman FC, held at the new TNA Sports Stadium on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Social media images revealed the extent of the damage to their vehicle. Goalkeepers' trainer Fatau Dauda was seen walking past the wrecked car in the photos.
The team, comprising Head Coach Otto Addo, Assistant Coach John Paintsil, and Goalkeepers Trainer Fatawu Dauda, was traveling in a Land Cruiser with the vehicle registration number GR 6521-21. The back wheels of the vehicle unexpectedly detached, creating a potentially catastrophic situation.
Eyewitnesses report that the accident was nearly unavoidable when a pickup truck veered into the Land Cruiser’s lane, seemingly heading straight for a head-on collision. However, the quick reflexes and skillful driving of the Land Cruiser’s driver averted the disaster, steering the vehicle away from the oncoming truck.
In a video captured at the scene, a voice, presumed to be John Paintsil's, reported that they escaped without major injuries but noted they would need time to assess their condition fully.
The accident occurred as Addo, Paintsil, and Dauda were heading back to Accra to prepare for Ghana's upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars are set to begin their campaign against Angola on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
None of the passengers, including the three coaches and the driver, sustained any serious injuries.
However, as a precaution, they have all taken to a hospital in Takoradi for further medical checks before continuing their journey to Accra.
