The Juvenile Court in Accra has sentenced the 16-year-old son of Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako to six months imprisonment following a fatal car accident at East Legon that claimed two lives.
The juvenile pleaded guilty to charges including manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a license. The court, presided over by Madam Bernice Mensimah Ackon, sentenced him to serve his term at the Senior Correctional Home and ordered him to sign an undertaking not to drive until he turns 18. Additionally, he must report to probation officers every Friday.
The court also imposed fines of GHC6,000 each on his parents, Bishop Salifu Amoako, founder of Alive Chapel International, and Mouha Amoako. They were further directed to cover the damages caused by the accident and commit to ensuring the proper upbringing of their son.
Tragic Incident
The accident occurred on October 12, 2024, during a birthday party for the juvenile’s elder brother, Elyon Amoako, at East Legon. The juvenile, who lacked a valid driver’s license, was frequently allowed access to family vehicles. During the party, he requested the keys to his mother’s Jaguar F-Pace (GN 6801-20) from a guest, Linda Bonsu Bempah, who was also Elyon Amoako’s personal assistant.
The juvenile drove the Jaguar to A&C Mall with a friend, meeting others in a convoy of three vehicles. Recklessly speeding on the Dzane-Ashie Road, he lost control near a T-junction, colliding with an SUV. The impact led to a fiery crash that engulfed two vehicles, damaging nearby property, including an ECG pole and a wall.
Two 12-year-old girls, Maame Dwomoh Boateng and Justine Agbenu, were trapped in one of the vehicles and tragically died in the blaze. A driver, Joseph Ackah, managed to rescue a toddler but could not save the girls due to the intensity of the fire.
Court Proceedings
Initially, the juvenile denied the charges but changed his plea during the hearing. Ghana’s Juvenile Justice Act stipulates six months as the maximum sentence for juvenile offenders.
Prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah, revealed that the juvenile’s family had a history of allowing him to drive despite his age and lack of qualifications. The tragic incident was attributed to his reckless behavior and failure to adhere to basic road safety standards.
The court emphasized the importance of parental responsibility, holding the parents accountable for their role in enabling the juvenile’s actions.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of negligence and the need for adherence to road safety regulations to prevent such tragedies.
