Salifu Amoako’s 16-year-old son has been remanded again in connection with the tragic car accident in East Legon that resulted in the deaths of two young girls.
The juvenile, charged with eight counts of manslaughter, causing harm negligently, dangerous driving, and driving without a license, made his initial court appearance last Friday, where he pleaded not guilty.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, is being held in the Family and Juvenile Court. Since juvenile cases are often closed to the public, it is unclear whether the young defendant has been placed in a correctional centre or in the care of his parents, as allowed under Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 (Act 653).
This provision permits the court when bail is denied, to either remand a juvenile to a nearby remand home or commit them to the care of a family member or other responsible guardian.
The court has scheduled the case for November 13 to continue proceedings, according to reports from Graphic.com.
Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah outlined the case, highlighting how the juvenile’s family allegedly permitted him to access and drive their vehicles despite his age and lack of a valid driver’s license. According to Mr Acquah, on October 12, 2024, the family hosted a birthday party for the accused at an event centre in East Legon, where the tragic events began.
During the party, the juvenile reportedly asked Linda Bonsu Bempah, a personal assistant assigned to oversee the event, for the keys to his mother’s Jaguar F-Pace. Linda, who had been entrusted with the keys, handed them over to the boy. With a friend accompanying him, he drove the Jaguar to the A&C Mall, where other friends awaited them in two SUVs.
The three vehicles, with the juvenile leading in his mother’s car, formed a convoy and sped through East Legon. The prosecution recounted that on the Dzane-Ashie Road, the accused decided to test the speed of the Jaguar, accelerating recklessly despite the presence of other road users.
Approaching a T-junction at Mensah Wood Avenue at high speed, the accused crashed into the rear of an Acura being driven by Joseph Ackah. Ackah had just slowed down to make a turn when the collision occurred. The impact was severe, propelling both cars across the road and into a wall, damaging an ECG pole.
Both vehicles quickly caught fire. The accused and his passenger managed to escape, but those in the Acura were not as fortunate. Ackah, who was driving his employer’s daughters, one of whom was a toddler, along with two 12-year-old friends, struggled to open his door and eventually fell into the flames, where bystanders helped drag him to safety.
While volunteers rescued the toddler and her sister, they were unable to save the two 12-year-old girls as the fire intensified. The car was engulfed in flames, tragically claiming their lives.
The prosecution reported that the investigation revealed the accused had been driving recklessly and far below the standard expected of any responsible driver, endangering both vehicles and pedestrians. Under questioning, the accused admitted to taking the keys from Linda, picking up his friend, and driving to the mall.
As the case progresses, the court will determine the appropriate legal path forward for the young defendant, with further proceedings set for November 13.
