KNUST Mourns Fallen Emerald Snake, Calls for ‘Safe Driving for All — Even the Slithery Ones’

KNUST Mourns Fallen Emerald Snake, Calls for ‘Safe Driving for All — Even the Slithery Ones’

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is in mourning — not for a student or lecturer, but for one of its quietest residents: an African Emerald Snake, tragically run over on campus earlier today.

In a heartfelt (and slightly hiss-terical) Facebook post, KNUST described the reptile as a harmless, non-venomous member of the Colubridae family, often spotted gliding gracefully through the university’s green corridors. Sadly, its morning commute was cut short by a passing vehicle.

"Let us drive with care and respect the quiet biodiversity that shares our campus," the post read, adding the hashtag #KNUSTBiodiversity. The accompanying photo, captured by Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah, has since become the snake’s unofficial yearbook portrait.

The news slithered quickly across social media, drawing a wave of reactions. The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) sent virtual condolences: "So sad to see this. Our thoughts are with the KNUST community as you advocate for safer coexistence."

KNUST replied with a simple “Thanks very much,” perhaps still too choked up to say more. But the comment section, as usual, refused to stay solemn for long. One user suggested UPSA send “some money to organize a befitting burial ceremony,” complete with emojis of heartbreak and crying faces — proving once again that Ghanaians can find humour even in the most s-serious of moments.

While the jokes flowed, the message was clear: even the smallest and slimiest members of the campus community deserve safe passage. And if drivers won’t slow down for speed bumps, perhaps they will for the memory of the emerald beauty that once graced KNUST’s green walkways.