The Western Region was plunged into mourning on Friday, June 6, following a gruesome accident at Tanokrom that claimed the life of popular radio presenter, Isaac Bonaray, known widely as Ike Bonaray.
Bonaray, the vibrant morning show host of Enchi-based Max FM, died on the spot after a faulty timber truck lost control and reversed into a mini-bus (trotro) in which he was a passenger. The tragic incident occurred just days before the celebration of the Islamic festival Eid Al-Adha.
Eyewitnesses say the timber truck, loaded with lumber and headed toward the Fijai-Cape Coast road, malfunctioned and began rolling backward near the Tanokrom Pipeano Traffic Light. The trotro driver, Nkansah Kyerematen, recounted that his vehicle, which was transporting passengers from Takoradi to Kojokrom, attempted to evade the truck but was hit in the process.
“Just within reach of the traffic light, the timber truck was seen reversing in our direction,” Kyerematen said. “In a move to avoid the truck, my trotro hit the car behind me, but the truck finally also crashed into us. My mate forced the door open, and passengers started fleeing. That’s when I was told Ike had tried to escape but was run over.”
Emergency responders from the Ghana National Fire Service and the Police swiftly arrived at the scene. The truck was towed, and Bonaray’s body was taken to the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital morgue.
The news has left the media and sports communities in shock. Bonaray, who had recently celebrated his wedding just a week ago, had only moved into his new home at Apowa with his wife and their two-month-old baby.
Beyond the airwaves, Bonaray was also the Chairman of the Aowin Municipal Football Association and served on the Executive Council of the Western Regional Football Association, making significant contributions to grassroots football development.
Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues, listeners, and sports officials, describing him as a passionate communicator and dedicated sports administrator whose presence will be deeply missed.