A tragic car accident in East Legon, Accra, has left a community in grief and raised questions about road safety. The 16-year-old son of Bishop Salifu Amoako of Alive Chapel International was sentenced to six months in a Senior Correctional Centre for causing the accident that claimed the lives of two 12-year-old girls, Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh Boateng.
The teenager pleaded guilty to eight counts, including manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a valid license. The court’s decision was based on the Criminal Juvenile Act, which considers manslaughter a non-serious offense, attracting a maximum sentence of six months.
The accident occurred on October 12, 2024, when the teenager, despite being underage and unlicensed, took his mother’s car without permission and drove recklessly, ramming into another vehicle. The impact caused both cars to catch fire, trapping and killing the two young girls.
The parents, Bishop Salifu Amoako and Madam Mouha Amoako, were also held accountable for their son’s actions. They were ordered to pay a fine of 12,000 cedis for failing their son and to sign an undertaking to ensure their son’s proper upbringing. The father will also pay for damages caused to properties, including a light pole.
The sentence has sparked controversy, with some relatives of the deceased girls expressing dissatisfaction and calling for a review of the Criminal Juvenile Act.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
