A Juvenile and Family Court has remanded 16-year-old Elrad Salifu Amoako to a correctional facility in connection with the fatal East Legon car crash that claimed the lives of two young girls. Amoako, facing eight charges including two counts of manslaughter, three counts of negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a valid license, pleaded not guilty. He is set to reappear in court on November 7, 2024, and has been ordered to submit his passport to the court registry.
The charges stem from an accident on October 12, 2024, which tragically killed two 12-year-olds, Maame Dwomoh Boateng and Justine Agbenu. Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah provided background on the case, detailing that Amoako, a student from Adjiriganor, Accra, frequently had access to his family’s vehicles despite being underage and unlicensed. His father, Elisha Salifu Amoako, is the founder of Alive Chapel International, and along with his mother, Mouha Amoako, and older brother, Elyon Amoako, they reportedly permitted him to drive.
According to the prosecution, during a birthday party for Elyon at an East Legon event center, Elrad requested and received the keys to his mother’s Jaguar F-Pace Sport (GN 7801-20) from a guest, Linda Bonsu Bempah, who was Elyon’s personal assistant. Elrad then drove to the A&C Mall with a friend, where they joined others in a convoy of three SUVs, with Elrad leading.
The court heard that while driving along Dzane-Ashie Road, Elrad allegedly accelerated recklessly, disregarding other motorists. Approaching a T-junction on Mensah Wood Avenue, he reportedly collided at high speed with an Acura SUV driven by Joseph Ackah, who had slowed down to turn. The impact sent both vehicles careening across the street, crashing into a wall and damaging an ECG pole.
Both cars caught fire almost immediately. Although Elrad and his passenger managed to escape, Ackah and three passengers in the Acura, including the two 12-year-old girls, were trapped inside. Despite bystanders’ attempts to extinguish the flames, they were unable to save the two girls, who ultimately succumbed to the intense fire.
Ackah, who attempted to rescue the trapped passengers, along with other survivors, was taken to the hospital for treatment. Investigations concluded that Elrad had been driving irresponsibly, leading to the devastating accident. Following a review of the case by the Attorney General, charges were filed against Elrad, including manslaughter and negligent driving.
