At an Accra Circuit Court on Monday, both the defense counsel and state attorney approached the bench, resulting in the adjournment of the case.

Bishop Amoako, the General Overseer of Alive Chapel International, his wife Mouha, and Linda Bonsu Bempah, a sales assistant, were arrested after an accident involving their 16-year-old son, Elrad, who allegedly caused a crash in East Legon on October 12, 2024, leading to the deaths of two girls.

Bishop Amoako, his wife, and Linda have been charged with allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a vehicle.

The charges stem from an incident where their son drove a white Jaguar F-Space Sports without a valid license, colliding with an Acura Utility vehicle that caught fire, tragically leading to two fatalities.

All three have pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail of GHC50,000 each, with two sureties each.

The couple’s son was sentenced to six months in prison by an Accra Juvenile and Family Court after pleading guilty to eight counts of manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a license.

He is serving his sentence at the Senior Correctional Home.

The facts presented to the Circuit Court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, indicated that Bishop Amoako and his wife, Mouha, are the parents of Elrad Amoako, the 16-year-old minor involved in the accident, who lives with his mother in Accra.

On October 12, 2024, during the celebration of Elrad’s elder brother Elyon Amoako’s birthday, Linda, the third accused, handed Elrad the key to Mouha’s Jaguar F-Pace Sports SUV, with registration number GN 7801-20, knowing full well that he was a minor without a driver’s license.

According to the prosecution, Elrad drove the vehicle with his friend, Prince Tijani, toward Bawleshie on Dzanie Ashie Street.

As they approached the Mensah Wood Avenue junction, Elrad collided with the rear of an Acura utility vehicle with registration number GR 2524-23.

The collision caused both vehicles to be propelled across the road into the wall of a nearby house. Following the impact, both vehicles caught fire and were burned beyond recognition.

The prosecution stated that the two occupants of the Acura, Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh Boateng, both 12 years old, were trapped inside and tragically died in the blaze.

Elrad and two others were injured and rushed to the University of Ghana Medical Centre.

During investigations, Bishop Amoako and his wife admitted that they had allowed their son to drive to the gym and other locations within their neighborhood.

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Mr. Adofo stated that if the victims’ family or anyone else is dissatisfied with the outcome, they have the right to pursue a case, but he cautioned that the ruling is likely to stand.

“The law has been made, and there’s little they can do about it. The family complaining also has a case, but the law has spoken,” he said.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, he further suggested that the issue lies with lawmakers.

“We should be talking to our Members of Parliament to make laws that can change this. It’s not about complaining now, but about working to amend the law so that future cases don’t end in such unsatisfactory rulings. If we fail to make laws that amend these outdated regulations, it will always go against us as citizens. The MPs have failed us in this regard by not bringing these issues to our attention,” he stated.

The case stems from the tragic accident in East Legon, in which 16-year-old Justine Agbenu lost her life, and another victim also passed away.

The juvenile responsible for the fatal collision was sentenced to six months at the Senior Correctional Centre, the maximum penalty permitted under the current Juvenile Justice Act of 2003 (Act 653).

However, lawyer Adofo stated that if the family decides to appeal this ruling, it may not be successful, but the family can still pursue civil remedies against the parents of the offender to seek compensation.

While some advocate for harsher penalties, others emphasize the importance of maintaining a rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice.

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Her plea follows the sentencing of a 16-year-old boy involved in the fatal collision that claimed two lives.

The juvenile received a six-month sentence at the Senior Correctional Centre, the maximum penalty currently allowed for such cases under the existing law.

Speaking to journalists after the sentencing, Madam Benneh voiced her dissatisfaction with the verdict, describing it as insufficient given the gravity of the offence.

“I hope that measures can be taken to change the law. It is unacceptable that someone can cause the deaths of two people through reckless driving and receive such a light sentence,” she remarked.

The incident has ignited a nationwide discussion about whether Ghana’s juvenile justice system should be revised to impose penalties that reflect the severity of offences like manslaughter and reckless driving.

While some advocate for stricter accountability measures, others emphasize maintaining the rehabilitative focus of juvenile justice.

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The Juvenile Court in Accra presided over by Her Worship Bernice Mensimah Ackon has convicted the 16-year-old and sentenced him to serve a six-month punishment at the Senior Correctional Center.

East Legon accident: Salifu Amoako’s son sentenced

This was after the juvenile pleaded guilty to eight counts of manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without licence in court on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

Speaking in an interview after the ruling, the grandmothers of the deceased,

“What can I really say? The court has spoken and I just hope one day, the law is reviewed because you can’t kill someone through reckless driving and this will be the verdict per the law.

“If you are a parent and claim your child is going through depression and is on medication but drives without licence and supervision, who is to be blamed? The father also came out to say he drives with license so that should tell you the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” she said.

Another added, “The father also said his son did not pull a gun to kill anyone and I wonder why a pastor will talk this way.”

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That was after the juvenile pleaded guilty to eight counts of manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without licence in court on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

The convict had earlier pleaded not guilty to eight counts – which comprised two counts of manslaughter, three counts of negligently causing harm, two counts of dangerous driving and a count of driving without a valid license.

The Juvenile Court in Accra presided over by Her Worship Bernice Mensimah Ackon convicted him on his own plea and sentenced him to six months.

The sentence is the highest punishment prescribed by the Juvenile Justice Act, for a juvenile offender for manslaughter.

As part of his sentencing, the court said he is to sign an undertaking not to drive until he turns 18 years as per the laws of Ghana.

Again, the juvenile is to report to Probation Officers periodically on every Friday and his punishment is to start immediately.

Meanwhile, his father Bishop Salifu Amoako and mother Mouha Amoako have both been fined 500 penalty units each which is equivalent to GH₵;6,000 each for failing to control their son.

The Court ordered Bishop Salifu Amoako to pay for the damages of properties destroyed including a light pole valued over GH₵;8,000.

The court has also ordered the parents sign an undertaking to be responsible for the proper upbringing of their son.

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The juvenile, who is facing eight counts of manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a license, was first remanded when he appeared in court last Friday.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges during his first appearance before the Family and Juvenile Court.

It is unclear whether the juvenile has been sent to a correctional center or placed under the care of his parents in accordance with Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 (ACT 653), since the case has not been opened to the public.

This provision states that if a juvenile is not granted bail, the court may order the juvenile to be committed to the care of their parents, guardian, close relative, or another suitable person, or to be remanded to a facility near the court.

The case has been adjourned until November 13, 2024.

Prosecution’s Facts: Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah presented the facts, stating that, despite his age and lack of a valid driving license, the juvenile had been frequently allowed to drive cars owned by his family members.

On October 12, 2024, the family threw a birthday party for Elyon at an event center in East Legon. During the party, the juvenile requested the keys to his mother’s Jaguar F-Pace sports car from Linda Bonsu Bempah, a personal assistant to the family.

While the party continued, Linda handed over the keys to the juvenile. He took the car and drove with a friend to the A&C Mall, where they met more friends in two SUVs.

The group formed a convoy, led by the juvenile in his mother’s car, and drove through East Legon.

At one point, while traveling along Dzane-Ashie Road, the juvenile decided to accelerate recklessly, reaching top speed before approaching a T-junction at Mensah Wood Avenue without regard for other road users. At this high speed, he crashed into an Acura driven by Joseph Ackah, who was attempting to navigate the turn.

The impact was violent, propelling both vehicles across the street and smashing into a wall. Both cars caught fire immediately. The juvenile and his passenger managed to escape the burning vehicle, but the driver of the Acura, Joseph Ackah, had been carrying his boss’s two daughters—one of them a toddler—and their friends, two 12-year-olds. The children were trapped in the car, and despite bystanders’ efforts with fire extinguishers, the flames intensified, and they could not be saved.

As the flames spread, one of the volunteers managed to rescue the toddler and her sister, but the other two children perished in the fire. The investigation revealed that the juvenile’s reckless driving endangered the lives of everyone on the road.

The juvenile admitted to taking the keys from Linda Bempah, driving to the mall, and picking up his friend before the tragic crash.

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Mr. Amoah, whose Facebook username is EmpressPapa A-Amigos, alleged that the 16-year-old was not in custody as ordered by the Juvenile Court in Accra.

However, the Police have denied the claims, stating that Elrad has been in custody since the court order on Tuesday, November 1, 2024, and remains in custody as of Tuesday, November 8.

In a statement, the police labeled the claims as false and warned that publishing such misinformation violates Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which addresses the dissemination of false information.

In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Amoah stated that the police were misinforming the public.

According to him, he visited the facility on Saturday, November 2, 2024, and has evidence to back his claims.

He insisted that Elrad is supposed to be in remand since the case is still ongoing, not in a Correctional Centre.

“The remand wing had been non-operational for some time due to arson until some Ghanaians came to renovate the facility. Even when I went to the Osu facility on Saturday, the door was ajar, and there was nobody there,” he said.

“The Police are misinforming the public because they said the boy was at a correctional centre, which is vague. Even if it’s Osu, they need to be specific because there is no probation there at the moment. It is a lawful child custody, which is the Boys Remand Home, and that is where the boy is supposed to be. So why would you say Osu Correctional Centre?” he questioned.

With the Police currently searching for him to face justice, Mr. Amoah stated that Elrad is easy to find but expects that the Police will do the needful and clearly state where Elrad is.

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According to him, the accident continues to haunt him as a father with a 15-year-old daughter who is full of dreams, just like the deceased girls.

Mr. Amoah made these remarks on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, in the wake of the controversies surrounding the location of the suspect driver, Elrad Salifu Amoako.

“I have a 15-year-old child. Two children have been burnt to death. I cannot sleep; this thing is haunting me. The police should just come and clarify where the boy is because I have visited the facility, and anybody who can challenge me should come out.

“I didn’t go there to ask about Salifu Amoako’s son. I only went there on a fact-finding mission. I’m not pursuing any interest, but I just want the police to come out with the facts,” he stated.

A Juvenile Court in Accra on Friday, remanded the 16-year-old, who is the son of Bishop Salifu Amoako, following the accident on October 12.

The court also ordered the seizure of his American and Ghanaian passports to prevent any risk of flight.

Elrad, according to the police, was in custody at the Osu Correctional Centre, but Mr. Amoah challenged that, stating he was supposed to be at the Boys Remand Home.

In a Facebook post with the username EmpressPapa A-Amigos, he indicated he visited the facility and no one had been received.

However, the police have labeled these claims as false and warned that publishing such misinformation violates the law under Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

To this effect, he is currently being pursued to face justice.

Mr. Amoah has, however, said he does not have any problem with the Ghana Police but smells something fishy in the case.

Stating that he has on several occasions assisted the police in discharging their duties, he expressed readiness to go to court or anywhere, so long as justice will be served for the victims and their families.

Elrad is facing serious charges related to the accident, including manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a valid license.

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The police have stated that Elrad has been in custody since the court order on Tuesday, November 1, 2024, and remains in custody as of Tuesday, November 8.

In a statement, the police labeled claims regarding his status as false and warned that publishing such misinformation violates section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which addresses the dissemination of false information.

The state noted that investigators have identified two social media accounts associated with the circulation of these rumors: a TikTok account with the handle “prisywanlov1” and a Facebook account named “EmpressPapa A-Amigos.”

The police are therefore actively pursuing those behind these accounts to bring them to justice.

“We find it deeply unfortunate that a tragic incident resulting in the loss of two beautiful souls is being exploited in an un-Ghanaian manner to draw attention to themselves,” the police noted.

Read the full statement below:

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The accused took the car and drove with a friend to A&C Mall, where they met additional friends waiting in two SUVs.

The three vehicles formed a convoy, with the accused leading in his mother’s car as they drove through the East Legon area.

When he appeared before the Family and Juvenile Court in Accra on November 1, 2024, he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The court has, however, remanded him to a correctional facility and ordered him to surrender his American and Ghanaian passports. He is scheduled to reappear in court on November 7.

On October 12, 2024, the accused’s family held a birthday party for Elyon Amoako at an event center in East Legon.

During the event, the teenager reportedly asked Linda Bonsu Bempah for the keys to his mother’s Jaguar F-Pace Sport, which she handed over.

Linda, who is a personal assistant to Elyon Amoako, was supervising events at the party and had been given the keys to hold.

Presenting the facts, Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah noted, “The 16-year-old rammed into the rear of the Acura; the collision was violent and destructive, propelling both vehicles across the street and smashing into the wall of the house opposite the junction, destroying an ECG pole in the process.”

Both vehicles caught fire immediately. While the accused and his passenger managed to escape, the occupants of the Acura were trapped inside.

Bystanders attempted to douse the flames with fire extinguishers but were unable to suppress the blaze.

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The juvenile, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces eight counts, including manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a license.

On November 1, 2024, he appeared before the Family and Juvenile Court in Accra and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The court has since remanded him to a correctional facility and ordered him to surrender his American and Ghanaian passports.

He is scheduled to reappear in court on November 7.

Prosecution’s case:

Presenting the facts, Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah noted that despite the accused’s age and lack of a valid driver’s license, his family members frequently allowed him access to their vehicles.

On October 12, 2024, the accused’s family held a birthday party for Elyon Amoako at an event centre in East Legon.

During the event, the teenager reportedly asked Linda Bonsu Bempah for the keys to his mother’s Jaguar F-Pace Sport, which she handed over.

Linda is a personal assistant to Elyon Amoako and during her duties supervising events at the party, had been given the keys to hold on to.

According to the prosecution, the accused, along with a friend, drove to the A&C Mall, where they met friends in two other SUVs. The three cars then formed a convoy, led by the accused in his mother’s car, driving through East Legon.

The prosecutor said that on Dzane-Ashie Road, the accused allegedly accelerated to high speeds, ignoring other road users.

As he approached a T-junction at Mensah Wood Avenue, he collided with an Acura driven by Joseph Ackah, who was transporting his employer’s two daughters and their friends, both 12 years old.

Mr. Acquah recounted, “The 16-year-old rammed into the rear of the Acura; the collision was violent and destructive, propelling both vehicles across the street and smashing into the wall of the house opposite the junction, destroying an ECG pole in the process.”

Both vehicles caught fire immediately. While the accused and his passenger managed to escape, the occupants of the Acura were trapped inside. Bystanders attempted to douse the flames with fire extinguishers but were unable to suppress the blaze.

The driver forced his door open and was pulled to safety, but the volunteers were only able to rescue the toddler and her sister from the back seat. Tragically, the two other girls remained trapped, and bystanders were ultimately unable to save them as the car burned.

An investigation found that the accused had been driving in a manner “that fell way below what was expected of any competent and careful driver,” recklessly endangering other road users.

The accused admitted to taking the keys from Linda Bempah, picking up a friend, and driving to the A&C Mall before the incident.

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The court proceedings addressed the conditions surrounding his remand and outlined specific directives for his custody and care.

The court ordered that Elrad be remanded to reappear on November 7 for further proceedings.

To ensure compliance with bail conditions, his Ghanaian and U.S. passports are to be surrendered and deposited at the court by Monday, November 4.

As part of the conditions, the court directed that Amoako undergo a medical review at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on November 4. This measure is to address any health considerations that may arise while he is in remand.

In the event of any urgent medical issue during the period of remand, the court ordered that he be taken to the Police Hospital for immediate treatment, ensuring he has access to essential medical care.

The accident, which occurred in October 2024, claimed the lives of two young girls and left others injured.

Elrad was initially treated at the Legon Hospital for severe injuries but was referred to UGMC for specialized care.

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The admission followed a ghastly accident in East Legon that claimed the lives of two young girls and left others injured.

Elrad was initially treated at the Legon Hospital for severe injuries but was referred to UGMC for specialized care.

A medical report signed by Dr. Fred Salawu, an orthopaedic surgeon at UGMC, revealed that the 16-year-old suffered an open right ankle dislocation and facial lacerations.

He underwent emergency surgery, including debridement, external fixation of his right ankle, and a flap cover procedure on October 14, 2024.

Surgical findings showed: Open right ankle joint dislocation with an unstable joint (Gustillo III B), tear of the anterior and posterior talofibular, and calcaneofibular ligaments.

Following the surgery, Amoako underwent split skin grafting for his post-traumatic ulcer on October 21, 2024.

He is currently mobilizing without bearing weight on his right leg.

Dr. Salawu confirmed that Elrad was discharged from the hospital on October 28, 2024, to continue his recovery on an outpatient basis.

The clarification follows reports on Tuesday alleging that Dr. Salawu prevented the police from interrogating Elrad, who is the suspected driver.

However, the medical report states that the boy is currently unfit for police interrogation due to his ongoing treatment.

Dr. Salawu has pledged to notify the relevant authorities once Elrad completes his treatment and is deemed fit for questioning.

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Read the full statement below:

A medical officer attending to the 16-year-old, Elrad Salifu Amoako at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) on Tuesday prevented the Police from interrogating him.

The medical officer claimed the boy was not fit though sources have revealed he has been discharged.

The development has heightened suspicions and concerns among all interested parties in the matter as the move appears to be a deliberate attempt to tie the hands of the Police in their effort to bring justice to families of the deceased.

“It is unbelievable and shocking that a doctor will go ahead to discharge the boy from the hospital after undergoing all the various processes of healthcare and yet that same doctor has written a note to the Police saying the boy cannot be interrogated by the Police until he the same doctor says so.

“How is this fair to the families who are going through this difficult times? Why is the doctor bent on preventing the police from doing their work,” a family member of one of the victims bemoaned in an interview with Myjoyonline.com.

A UGMC staff who also spoke on condition of anonymity said “This is very strange, the boy is looking strong and in good shape so we cannot understand why Dr Fred Salawu appears to be shielding him from the police.

“It appears Dr Salawu is being motivated by something else because this is very strange. It is just not fair to the girls who died and their families. Will this special treatment be extended to every person or it is because his father has money and influence”.

Meanwhile, sources say the Police are disappointed in the posture of the medical officer as all efforts to get the suspect interrogated is impeded by the physician.

Nonetheless officers of the Ghana Police are keeping and eye on the suspect until such time when the medical officer will clear him fit for an encounter with the law enforcement agency.

The accident which ignited massive public outcry led to the untimely death of two 12-year-old girls as their car caught fire after Elrad rammed into their vehicle.

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A video circulating on social media captured the emotional scene as her classmates gathered at St. Theresa’s Parish in Accra to bid their final farewell.

The video showed her grieving friends, overwhelmed with sorrow, breaking down in tears, and being comforted by others.

Justine’s passing comes shortly after Maame Dwomoh Boaten, the other young victim of the accident, was also laid to rest.

At the time of this report, the video had garnered over 1,000 likes and 200 comments, with many users offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Naaaa bro, this is too emotional! Salifu Amoako must pay dearly for this! His church must be closed down! His passports must be seized. There’s no hope for the living if we fail to get justice for the dead! pic.twitter.com/IGshxp5ZCu

— Albert Nat Hyde ™ (@1BongoIdeas) October 23, 2024

Tears flow as friends and classmates read tributes to 12-year-old Justine Agbenu, one of the young girls who tragically lost their lives in a devastating car accident at East Legon#3NewsGH #3FM927 pic.twitter.com/M5QTXJcm5Q

— #3FM927📻 (@3fm927) October 23, 2024

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Justine, who lost her life alongside her friend Maame Dwomoh Boaten in the car crash on Saturday, October 12, 2024, is set to be buried in a private ceremony.

Maame Dwomoh has already been interred.

A farewell service is currently taking place at Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra ahead of the burial.

Videos from the service have surfaced, capturing the somber atmosphere.

One video shows Justine’s remains arriving in a hearse at the church, with wreaths adorning the casket, including one from her mother.

Another video shared by Kofi TV depicts the white casket being escorted into the church auditorium.

After a brief prayer led by clergy and family members, the casket was moved to the front of the hall to commence the burial service.

 

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The girls aged 12 were both students of Cornerstone International Academy.

The emotional ceremony took place accident scene.

It was marked by candlelight, prayers, and heartfelt tributes from family, friends, and community members.

Mourners who could not hold back their tears observed silent reflections, holding candles and flowers as photo frames of the duo were displayed.

Accra-based Citi FM took to X to share scenes from the ceremony.

‘Two beacons of light taken’ – Floral tributes have been laid at the East Legon crash site, where two lives were tragically lost. A vigil is currently being held in their honor. #CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/Hzm5plCnm7

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) October 18, 2024

The accident occurred when 16-year-old Elrad Salifu Amoako, son of Bishop Salifu Amoako, lost control of a Jaguar SUV GN 7801-20 and crashed into a 4×4 Acura vehicle (GR 2542-23), driven by Joseph Ackah.

The collision caused both vehicles to catch fire, with the occupants of the Acura being burned beyond recognition.

Bishop Salifu and his wife, Mouha Amoako were arrested over the incident and arraigned before a High Court in Accra but were granted bail.

The parents and one Linda Bonsu Bempah have been charged for “Permitting an unlicensed person to drive.”

Furthermore, the man of God on Friday in an emotional social media video begged the families of the victims for forgiveness amidst prayers for God to strengthen them.

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Bishop Salifu has acknowledged it is a difficult time for him and shares in the pain of the bereaved families.

In a video on social media, he went on his knees as he wept uncontrollably to beg the families for forgiveness.

He prayed that God would strengthen the family and console the families throughout the difficult periods, stating no explanation can justify the incident.

Bishop Salifu called on Ghanaians and his colleague pastors to join in the apology to the families.

“I’m pleading with you to have mercy on me and may God be your comforter. I’m pleading with the families, may God strengthen you and give you strength.

“Also to Ghanaians, pastors, please plead on my behalf and ask the family to forgive me for what has happened. I can’t even explain myself. I’ve cried a lot because I can’t even understand what happened. I can’t even cry anymore. I’m on my knees, please forgive me,” he pleaded.

Bishop Amoako’s apology follows his arrest together with his wife, Mouha Amoako over the incident that occurred in East Legon last Saturday.

They have been charged with permitting an unlicensed person to drive by the High Court in Accra.

The duo were subsequently granted GH¢50k bail each.

A third accused person, Linda Bempah described by prosecution as a sales assistant at Lilo stitches which belong to the brother of the suspect was also granted bail.

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The journalist was assaulted on Wednesday by supporters of Bishop Salifu Amoako at the Accra Circuit Court.

This was during a court hearing on the fatal car accident that occurred at East Legon, involving the man of God’s 16-year-old son.

Murtala Inusah was attacked for capturing footage outside the courtroom.

His phone was damaged during the altercation, and he sustained multiple cuts on his wrist.

JUSAG, in a statement signed by its National President, Samuel Afotey Otu, expressed grave concern over the attack, describing it as an assault on the judiciary and press freedom in Ghana.

JUSAG bemoaned that such incidents compromise the safety of court staff, journalists, and other individuals seeking justice within court premises.

Highlighted the growing trend of attacks in court environments, the association has called for immediate action to safeguard the security of all involved.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has also condemned the assault and demanded swift action from the Police.

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Read the full statement below:

A third accused person, Linda Bempah described by prosecution as a sales assistant at Lilo stitches which belong to brother of the suspect has also been granted the bail.

Salifu Amoako and Mouha Amoako who are parents of the suspect driver were arrested by the police on Tuesday and put before the court on Wednesday.

They have been charged with permitting an unlicensed person to drive.

According to the facts of the case presented by prosecution, the two admitted during interrogation that they allowed their child, who is the suspect in the case to drive to gym and to some other places.

Prosecution, however, revealed in court that the keys to the Jaguar car which belongs to Mouha Amoako, mother of the suspect, was given to the Elrad by the third accused person, Linda Bempah.

In court on Wednesday, lawyers for the accused prayed the court to grant them bail as they have fixed places of abode, gainfully employed, known in society and will make themselves available for trial.

They further argued that the accused have no intentions to commit another offence while on bail, nor interfering with investigations.

They further urged on the court to consider the fact that the charge leveled against the accused is a misdemeanor.

Though prosecution did not oppose the the bail application, it asked for stringent bail conditions.

The judge after considering the arguments, granted bail to the accused persons to the tune of GHc 50,000 each.

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All three have pleaded not guilty as they appeared in Court on Wednesday, October 16.

Brief Facts

According to the brief facts presented to the Court by the prosecution, the first accused person, Elisha Salifu Amoako, is a Reverend Minister and the father of a 16-year-old (name withheld).

Mouha Amoako is a banker and the mother of the 16-year-old. The third accused, Linda Bonsu Bempah, is a sales assistant at Lilo Stitches, owned by the elder brother of the 16-year-old.

The prosecution’s case states that the 16-year-old lives with his mother in Accra.

On October 12, 2024, while celebrating the 25th birthday of his elder brother, Bonsu Prempeh (A3) gave the key to Mouha Amoako’s Jaguar F-Pace Sport SUV, with registration number GN 7801-20, to the 16-year-old, “knowing very well that he was a minor and did not have a driver’s license.”

The 16-year-old then drove the vehicle with his friend, Prince Tijani, heading towards the Bawaleshie direction on Dzanie Ashie Street in East Legon.

Upon reaching a section of the road at the Mensa Wood Avenue junction, he drove into the rear of an Acura 4×4 vehicle with registration number GR 2542-23.

The impact propelled both vehicles across the road into a nearby house’s fence wall. Both vehicles caught fire and were burned beyond recognition.

Two occupants of the Acura, namely Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh Boateng, both 12 years of age, were trapped in the vehicle and died in the fire.

The 16-year-old and two of the injured occupants are currently admitted to the University of Ghana Medical Center.

Prophet Amoako and Mouha Amoako “admitted during investigations that they allowed their son to drive to the gym, within their neighborhood, and to other places,” the prosecution stated.

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The suspect, believed to be a minor, rammed a Jaguar into an Acura vehicle resulting in a fatal accident over the weekend.

“The National Road Safety Authority is backing the police and we are strongly behind them in this investigation procedure,” the NSRA boss told Joy FM.

A statement from the police notes that two other individuals involved in the accident have been treated and discharged, while the 16-year-old driver, Elrad Salifu Amoako, is still receiving treatment in hospital.

The parents of the 16-year-old suspect driver, Bishop Salifu Amoako and Mouha Amoako, are currently in custody assisting the investigation.

Acting Director General of the NRSA, Ing. David Osafo Adonteng, believes the police’s actions will serve as a deterrent to those who drive recklessly.

“These two deaths must be accounted for by somebody. And it is through investigations that we can know who should be liable and what we can do in this circumstance,” he said.

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This comes after the Police identified them as parents of the suspect driver, Elfrad Salifu Amoako in the incident which occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

The couple whose son has been identified as a 16-year-old are currently in custody assisting the investigation.

In a statement, the Service explained that investigations have so far established that on 12th October 2024, suspect driver, Elrad, driving a Jaguar SUV vehicle with one other occupant, rammed into a 4×4 Acura vehicle, driven by Joseph Ackah with four other occupants, at Mensah Wood Street at East Legon.

Both cars caught fire and burned beyond recognition.

Also, three of the five victims in the Acura vehicle during the accident were rescued, and the other two identified as Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh, both 12 years of age, lost their lives.

Two of the rescued victims who sustained minor injuries were treated and discharged, while the third is still on admission receiving medical attention.

The suspect driver with the other occupant in the Jaguar vehicle were also rescued and are currently on admission at the hospital.

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In a statement, the Police said a preliminary investigation has identified the suspect driver as Salifu Amoako, who rammed his vehicle into another vehicle on Dzanie Ashie Street at East Legon.

“Both vehicles caught fire and burnt beyond recognition,” the police added in a statement issued on Monday.

The statement added that, the driver and other surviving victims are currently receiving medical attention.

“Meanwhile, one of the surviving victims has since been treated and discharged, while the bodies of the deceased victims have been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy,” it noted.

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Read the statement below:

This comes after two cars caught fire in an accident at East Legon that led to the death of two people.

According to ADO1 Alex King Nartey of the Public Relations Department of the GNFS, it took about 15 minutes for a fire tender to arrive at East Legon from the Madina Fire Station.

He said that was even possible because there was less traffic congestion.

The gory accident is reported to have been caused by a minor who rammed a Jaguar into an Acura.

ADO1 Alex King Nartey told Joy Prime on Monday, October 14, that they are still investigating the accident.

He however gave some initial details about how the accident occurred.

“Upon our initial investigation, we realized that the Acura was at a junction about to negotiate a curve when the Jaguar came with a very unreasonable speed hitting the vehicle at the back and forcing it to crossover to hit a wooden electric pole.”

And our initial assessment is that the electric pole and the wire from the pole might have fallen on the vehicle sparking a fire and thereby starting the fire that we saw. The fortunate thing was that the two people in front of the Acura, the driver and the passenger were rescued before we got there.

“But the unfortunate thing is that the two ladies at the back were not fortunate because due to the impact from the back, the back of the Acura was mangled thereby inhibiting their movement. And again because it hit the pole, it further inhibited their way to exit so that’s how come they were trapped and they had their seat belts on, and so unfortunately got burnt to death.”

He said the firefighters had to carefully remove the bodies of the deceased to minimize further damage.

“We had to be very tactful taking their bodies out because the bodies had melted onto the seat and so we had to cut the whole car into scrap to be able to get them out without further dismembering their bodies since they were very charred. Fortunately, we retrieved their bodies and handed them over to the Police.

He added that the two people in the Jaguar including the driver that caused the accident are also responding to treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).

He noted that, the passenger in the front seat of the Acura who escaped has been treated and discharged, while the driver is still responding to treatment.

He said they would visit the University of Medical Centre for further assessment.

Regarding reports that the driver of the car that caused the accident was the son of a known reverend minister in Ghana, the Fire officer said he could not confirm that information at the moment.

Even before the investigation concludes, the fire officer believes that the accident occurred due to excessive speeding.

“I have a feeling that he [Driver] was going between 150 and 180 kilometres per hour because looking at the CCTV footage it was an abnormal speed. It’s not even a speed that you probably see on a highway not to talk of a residential area like that.

ADO1 Nartey advised motorists to as much as possible always check the side mirrors for cars coming beside them to ensure their safety.

He also advised motorists to have fire extinguishers in their vehicles and learn to use them in cases of emergency.

ADO 1 Nartey also called on residents to put pressure on local assemblies to put up fire stations in the localities that do not have them.

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