The 16-year-old son of Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako, the Founder and General Overseer of Alive Chapel International, has been sentenced to six months in a senior correctional centre for his involvement in a fatal accident at East Legon.
The teenager faced multiple charges, including two counts of manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a license. The tragic accident, which occurred in October, claimed the lives of two preteen girls traveling in a black Acura vehicle struck by the Jaguar F-Pace Sport the teenager was driving.
According to prosecutors, the teenager had taken his parents’ vehicle without proper authorization. Accompanied by a friend, he drove to the A&C Mall in East Legon, where they joined two additional friends in separate SUVs. The group formed a convoy, with the teenager leading in the Jaguar.
The reckless driving culminated in a devastating crash, resulting in the deaths of the two preteen victims.
Initially, the teenager pleaded not guilty to all charges during proceedings at the Family and Juvenile Court. However, he later changed his plea, admitting guilt to the charges, which led to his sentencing.
The court also addressed conditions for his care and rehabilitation during his time in the correctional centre.
Following the incident, Bishop Salifu Amoako, his wife, Mouha Amoako, and their sales assistant, Linda Bonsu Prempeh, were arrested and charged with “permitting an unlicensed person to drive.”
The three were granted bail of GH¢50,000 each, with two sureties, and have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Linda Bonsu Prempeh, who prosecutors allege handed the vehicle keys to the teenager, was also released on the same bail terms.
The fatal accident has sparked public discussions about road safety, parental responsibility, and the dangers of underage driving in Ghana. The court’s sentencing of the teenager aims to serve as both a corrective measure and a deterrent for similar actions in the future.
Further hearings are expected in the cases against Bishop Salifu Amoako, his wife, and their sales assistant. Meanwhile, the families of the victims continue to mourn the devastating loss of their loved ones.
