By Enoch 
Accra, Ghana – The Accra Juvenile Court has ordered Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako to pay GH¢8,000 for damages caused to an electricity pole during the tragic accident involving his 16-year-old son, Elrad Salifu Amoako, at East Legon on October 12, 2024. The court also fined Bishop Salifu and his wife GH¢6,000 each for failing to control their son, who was sentenced to six months at the Senior Correctional Centre.
The Tragic Accident
The accident occurred on October 12, 2024, when Elrad Salifu Amoako, driving his mother’s white Jaguar, collided with an Acura from behind. The impact caused both cars to catch fire, resulting in the death of two 12-year-old girls, Maame Dwomoh Boatena and Justine Agbenu. The electricity pole at the accident scene was also destroyed.
Court Ruling and Sentencing
On December 19, 2024, the Accra Juvenile Court ruled that Elrad Salifu Amoako should be sentenced to six months at the Senior Correctional Centre. The court also fined Bishop Salifu Amoako and his wife GH¢6,000 each for failing to control their son. Additionally, Bishop Salifu was ordered to pay GH¢8,000 for the damaged electricity pole.
Public Reaction
The court’s ruling has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many Ghanaians expressing their displeasure. Some believe that the punishment was too lenient and that Bishop Salifu Amoako should have faced harsher consequences for his son’s actions. The general sentiment is that more stringent measures should be in place to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Family’s Response
Bishop Salifu Amoako and his wife have expressed their sorrow and regret over the tragic accident. They have vowed to ensure that their son receives the necessary guidance and support to prevent such incidents in the future. Bishop Salifu, known for his outspoken nature, has publicly apologized to the families of the victims and the community, promising to take full responsibility for the damages and the emotional toll the accident has caused.
Community Support
In the wake of the accident, the community has come together to offer support to the families of the victims. Vigils have been held, and flowers and roses have been left at the accident scene as a sign of solidarity and remembrance. The community’s response has been one of profound empathy and support, showing that even in times of tragedy, unity and compassion prevail.
Lessons Learned
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible parenting and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. It also highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of ensuring that young drivers are properly supervised and educated. The court’s decision underscores the need for parents to be vigilant and proactive in supervising their children’s activities, especially when it comes to driving.
Moving Forward
As the families of the victims continue to mourn their loss, the community remains united in its support and solidarity. The hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to safer roads and a greater emphasis on responsible driving and parenting. Local authorities are expected to implement more rigorous measures to prevent such accidents in the future, including stricter licensing procedures for young drivers and enhanced traffic law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
The East Legon accident has left a lasting impact on the community and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible behavior. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The community’s resilience and solidarity in the face of such a devastating event underscore the strength and unity that can arise from collective grief.
What are your thoughts on the court’s decision and the responsibilities of parents in preventing such accidents?