KEY POINTS
- A sales assistant gave the keys to a 16-year-old who caused a fatal accident.
- Two 12-year-old girls died in the crash after the boy drove into another car.
- The parents and the shop worker face charges for permitting unlicensed driving.
A sales assistant has been charged with handing the keys to a 16-year-old boy, which resulted in the deadly crash that killed two little girls in East Legon, Accra.
Two 12-year-old girls were killed when the youngster, who was operating a Jaguar, collided with another car. The shop employee allegedly gave the keys knowing the child lacked a driver’s license, according to the prosecution.
Family and shop worker face charges
Along with Linda Bonsu Bempah, the sales assistant, the boy’s parents, Pastor Elisha Salifu Amoako, founder of Alive Chapel International, and his wife, Mouha Amoako, have been charged.
According to Graphic Online, all three have been charged with violating Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations 2012 Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2180 by allowing an unlicensed individual to drive.
Prosecutors claim that the incident happened on October 12, 2024, while the boy’s older brother was celebrating his birthday. Bempah allegedly gave the 16-year-old the keys to the Jaguar even though he knew he was unlicensed.
The child struck the back of an Acura SUV while driving along Dzanie Ashie Street with a friend. Both cars caught fire, trapping two 12-year-olds inside the Acura, who sadly perished.
Investigation and legal proceedings
Although they acknowledged letting their son drive to a gym earlier, the teen’s parents have contested the claims. Each of them was given GH₵50,000 bail.
The Accra Circuit Court has ordered GH₵150,000 bail for Bempah, the sales assistant. The boy’s injuries from the accident are still being treated at the hospital.
Under the direction of Prosecutor Ebenezer Yaw Acquah, the police investigation has verified that the 16-year-old was operating a vehicle without a license. At tremendous speed, he collided with the Acura, causing a destructive fire. Two of the Acura’s five passengers had minor injuries, but three of them were saved. The young driver and his passenger are still in the hospital, as is the third victim.
Ongoing police investigation
Under the supervision of Inspector-General Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Ghana Police Service has promised to carry out a comprehensive inquiry.
A police management team paid hospital visits to the injured victims and their relatives. A thorough investigation has been pledged by the authorities in order to hold those responsible for the disaster accountable and provide comfort to the impacted families.
The public is keeping a close eye on the ongoing judicial actions against the parents and sales assistant. In Ghana, the incident has sparked debate about road safety and parental responsibility, leading to calls for tougher enforcement of traffic laws to stop future tragedies of this kind.
