Accra, Ghana – In a recent ruling by the Accra Juvenile Court, Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako and his wife Mouha Amoako have been fined GH¢6,000 each for failing to control their 16-year-old son, Elrad Amoako, who was involved in a tragic accident at East Legon. The court found that the parents’ negligence contributed to the incident, which resulted in the deaths of two preteen girls.

Details of the Incident

The accident occurred on October 12, 2024, when Elrad Amoako, driving his mother’s car without a valid license, collided with another vehicle near the Omama Shop in East Legon. According to eyewitness accounts, Elrad was driving at high speed and lost control of the vehicle, causing a severe collision. The crash resulted in a fire that trapped and killed two individuals inside the other vehicle. The incident not only claimed lives but also caused significant property damage and left the community in shock.

Court’s Decision

The court’s decision to fine the parents was based on their failure to exercise proper control over their son. During the trial, it was revealed that Elrad had a history of reckless driving, yet his parents allowed him to drive without supervision or a valid license. The judge emphasized the importance of parental responsibility in preventing such tragic incidents and handed down the fines as a reminder to all parents about their role in ensuring their children’s safety and compliance with the law.

Impact on the Families

The families of the victims have expressed deep sorrow and pain over the loss of their loved ones. In a statement, one of the victims’ families said, “Our hearts are broken by the loss of our child. No amount of money can bring them back, but we hope this ruling will serve as a deterrent to prevent other parents from being negligent.” The emotional toll on both the victims’ families and the Amoako family has been immense, highlighting the far-reaching impact of such tragic events.

Community Reaction

The ruling has sparked a debate within the community about the responsibilities of parents in supervising their children’s activities, especially when it comes to driving. Many community members have called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better education on road safety for young drivers. There is also a growing demand for improved infrastructure and safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Responses from Salifu Amoako and His Wife

Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako and his wife Mouha Amoako have expressed their deep regret over the incident and the resulting loss of life. In a public statement, Bishop Amoako said, “We are devastated by this tragedy and the pain it has caused the victims’ families. We accept the court’s decision and will do everything we can to ensure such an incident never happens again.” The Amoako family has pledged to support initiatives aimed at improving road safety and educating young drivers.

Looking Forward

As the community continues to process the outcome, there is a renewed focus on improving road safety measures and ensuring that young drivers are properly educated and supervised. The court’s decision is seen as a step towards justice and a reminder of the importance of responsible parenting. It also underscores the need for collective efforts to enhance road safety and prevent future tragedies.

Last Words…

This incident underscores the critical need for vigilance and responsibility when it comes to young drivers. The court’s ruling serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence and the importance of adhering to traffic laws. As the community heals from this tragedy, there is hope for a future with safer roads and fewer such devastating incidents. The emphasis on parental responsibility and community efforts in promoting road safety is essential in ensuring the well-being of all road users.

What are your thoughts on the court’s decision and the responsibilities of parents in preventing such accidents?