The court case involving Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako and his son remains ongoing as judicial authorities continue to address the fatal East Legon road accident that occurred in October 2024. The incident, which involved an unlicensed minor driving a vehicle, resulted in a collision and subsequent fire that led to the deaths of two 12-year-old girls. The case has since become a significant reference point in discussions on road safety, parental responsibility, and juvenile justice in Ghana.
Investigations established that the vehicle involved in the crash was being driven by the 16-year-old son of Bishop Salifu Amoako, who was not legally permitted to drive at the time of the incident. During court proceedings, the juvenile accepted responsibility for multiple offences, including manslaughter and dangerous driving. The Family and Juvenile Court in Accra convicted him and imposed a six-month custodial sentence at a senior correctional facility, in line with the maximum penalty allowed under Ghana’s juvenile justice laws. The court further ordered that the minor must not operate a motor vehicle until he legally qualifies and must remain under probationary supervision as part of a rehabilitation framework.
In addressing issues of guardianship, the court ruled that the parents failed to exercise adequate control over the minor, particularly regarding access to a vehicle. Consequently, Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako and his wife were sanctioned and directed to pay financial penalties and compensation for damage caused to public property during the incident. The ruling reinforced the legal obligation placed on parents and guardians to prevent minors from engaging in unlawful or dangerous activities.
Further legal developments occurred when initial charges against Bishop Salifu Amoako and his wife were withdrawn, followed by their re-arrest and the filing of fresh charges linked to the same East Legon accident. The renewed charges indicate continued prosecutorial review and highlight the legal consequences associated with allowing an unlicensed minor to drive, especially where loss of life has occurred.
Throughout the proceedings, the court has enforced strict measures to protect the identity of the juvenile, in accordance with child protection and juvenile justice regulations. These safeguards aim to balance public interest with the rights and welfare of minors involved in criminal proceedings. The case has also intensified public discourse on traffic law enforcement, parental supervision, and accountability in road safety matters across Ghana.
As the case currently stands, the juvenile is serving his custodial sentence under correctional supervision, while Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako and his wife remain before the courts as the fresh charges continue to be determined. The legal process is ongoing, with further court actions expected as the matter progresses.