The 16-year-old son of Bishop Salifu Amoako, Elrad, has been charged with manslaughter following a tragic accident in East Legon that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.

The minor, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, negligent harm, dangerous driving, and operating a vehicle without a licence.

On November 1, 2024, he appeared in front of the Family and Juvenile Court in Accra, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him. The court has remanded him to a correctional facility and ordered him to hand over both his American and Ghanaian passports. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 7.

Prosecution’s case:

During the proceedings, Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah presented key facts, emphasizing that despite the defendant's youth and the absence of a valid driver's license, family members consistently allowed him access to their vehicles.

On October 12, 2024, the defendant's family hosted a birthday celebration for Elyon Amoako at an event center located in East Legon. During the festivities, the teenager allegedly requested the keys to his mother’s Jaguar F-Pace Sport from Linda Bonsu Bempah, who complied with his request.

Linda, who serves as a personal assistant to Elyon Amoako, had been tasked with overseeing the event and was in possession of the keys at the time.

The prosecution contends that the defendant, accompanied by a friend, drove to the A&C Mall, where they joined other friends in two additional SUVs. The three vehicles formed a convoy, with the defendant leading in his mother’s car as they drove through East Legon.

According to the prosecutor, while on Dzane-Ashie Road, the defendant allegedly accelerated to excessive speeds, disregarding the safety of other road users. Upon approaching 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 aged 12..

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 ignited almost immediately after the collision. While the defendant and his passenger were able to escape, the occupants of the Acura found themselves trapped inside. Bystanders rushed to the scene, attempting to extinguish the flames with fire extinguishers, but their efforts proved futile.

The driver managed to force open his door and was pulled to safety, but the rescuers could only free the toddler and her sister from the back seat. Unfortunately, two other girls remained trapped inside, and despite the valiant attempts of onlookers, they were unable to save them as the car continued to burn.

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.