East Legon Tragedy: Bishop Salifu’s Teenage Son Faces Renewed Remand

East Legon Tragedy: Bishop Salifu’s Teenage Son Faces Renewed Remand Over Fatal Accident

A Family and Juvenile Court in Accra has once again remanded the 16-year-old son of Bishop Salifu Amoako, following a tragic accident in East Legon that claimed two lives. The teenager, facing charges of manslaughter, dangerous driving, and driving without a license, had initially pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance. Despite public interest, court proceedings have been held privately, leaving uncertainty about whether he has been sent to a correctional facility or is under parental care as per the Juvenile Justice Act, 2003 (ACT 653). The case is set for further hearing on November 13.

Prosecution’s Case

According to Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah, the teenage defendant regularly drove family vehicles despite lacking a driving license. On October 12, 2024, during a birthday celebration held in his honor at East Legon, he reportedly obtained the keys to his mother’s Jaguar F-Pace from Linda Bonsu Bempah, his personal assistant. Later, he drove the luxury car along with a friend to the A&C Mall, where they joined two other SUVs in a convoy around the East Legon area.

Tragic Collision

The prosecution reports that while driving at high speed down Dzane-Ashie Road, the teenager allegedly attempted to display the car’s power, approaching a T-junction recklessly as an Acura driven by Joseph Ackah slowed down to turn. The Jaguar reportedly collided violently with the Acura, sending both cars across the road and into a wall, causing an electrical pole to fall. Both vehicles ignited into flames almost immediately.

While the teenager and his passenger escaped the fire, the Acura’s driver, Ackah, managed to exit with severe burns. A group of bystanders managed to rescue a toddler and her 12-year-old sister from the burning vehicle, but two other girls remained trapped inside, perishing as the fire engulfed the car.

Investigation Findings

The prosecution highlighted that the investigation concluded the defendant’s driving was recklessly dangerous, endangering the lives of other road users. The teenager admitted to taking the keys, picking up his friend, and driving to meet other friends at the mall. With the tragedy impacting the community, the court’s ruling on November 13 is awaited as a critical step in achieving justice for the victims.