TMA reopens TMA Daycare Centre after tragic microlight aircraft accident
The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) Daycare Centre at Community One has been officially reopened, almost a month after a tragic microlight aircraft crash at the facility claimed the lives of two people on board.
Prior to the reopening, the facility underwent minor refurbishment, including a fresh coat of paint to restore its appearance and create a more welcoming environment for learners. Notably, the exact spot where the aircraft crash-landed has been transformed into a playground, symbolising renewal and the assembly's determination to reclaim the space for positive use.
Prior to the event learners, parents, and facilitators were also taken through a series of psychological assessments facilitated by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) in collaboration with the Mental Health Authority.
The exercise was aimed at helping them process the trauma associated with the incident and prepare emotionally for a return to normal school activities.
In addition, traditional, Christian and Islamic rites were performed to spiritually cleanse the accident site, reflecting the community’s diverse beliefs and collective desire for healing and protection.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony last Tuesday, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Tema, Ebi Bright, described the occasion as a symbol of resilience, renewal and hope following the March 16 incident.
She said that although the memory of the crash remains painful, the Tema community must rise above the tragedy and rebuild stronger.
“This is a day of deep reflection, but also a day of renewal.
We are not defined by what happened here, but by how we respond to it. Today, we declare a fresh start,” she said.
Opportunity
The MCE praised the deceased, Captain Frank Amoaning Donkor and Elijah Ofori Donkor, whose final actions she said helped avert a greater disaster when their microlight aircraft, with registration number 9G-ADV, crashed within the daycare premises while travelling from Ho to Accra.
The exact spot where the microlight aircraft crashed has been converted into a playground for the learners
She emphasised that the tragedy should serve as a reminder of the need to strengthen safety measures, particularly in spaces occupied by children.
“To the parents, I understand your concerns. Your children’s safety remains our highest priority.
This reopening comes with renewed commitment, stricter safeguards, and a shared responsibility to ensure such an incident never happens again,” she said.
Ms Bright further stressed that schools, hospitals and other public institutions must be treated as critical safety zones, calling for heightened vigilance and improved emergency preparedness across the metropolis.
She encouraged the children to embrace the facility as a place for learning, creativity and growth.
Some of the facilitators and parents expressed joy at the reopening of the facility, stressing that it would bring a lot of relief and joy not only to them but also their children.
Gratitude
A former Tema Area Head of the The Church of Pentecost and family head of the deceased, Apostle Matthew Larbi Wettey, expressed gratitude to God and all stakeholders for their support to the bereaved families.
He acknowledged the pain of the loss but noted that the actions of the deceased prevented a more catastrophic outcome.
“We thank God that it was only our grandchildren who lost their lives in the process of saving others. It could have been far worse,” he said.
Apostle Wettey also praised the swift response of the security services, including the police, fire service and military, as well as school authorities for ensuring the safety of the children during the incident.
“We pray that such a tragedy will never happen again.
May these children grow to become great individuals and testify to God’s grace in their lives``, he said.
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