A Circuit Court in Accra has granted bail to 68-year-old Henry Essilifie, who is facing multiple charges, including careless driving and using a foreign license to operate a vehicle in Ghana.
Essilifie, who was driving a Jeep Wrangler with registration number GT 3993-22, is accused of operating the vehicle without due care and consideration for other road users, an offense that allegedly led to harm.
He has been charged with three offenses: careless and inconsiderate driving, contrary to Section 3 of Act 683/04 as amended by Section 3 of Act 761/08; driving with a foreign license in violation of Regulation 148 of L.I. 2180/2012; and negligently causing harm, contrary to Section 72 of Act 29/60.
Appearing before the court, Essilifie pleaded not guilty to all charges. Presiding over the case, Her Honour Susana Eduful granted him bail in the sum of GH₵80,000, with two sureties who must each earn a minimum of GH₵4,000 per month. Additionally, the court ordered him to surrender his passport to the registry until the conclusion of the case.
The prosecution has been instructed to submit all necessary evidence and file witness statements ahead of the next court session, which has been scheduled for March 25, 2025, for a case management conference.
The case continues as legal proceedings unfold.
Background of the Case
The case arises from a road traffic accident that occurred on July 16, 2024, at approximately 8:30 a.m. Henry Essilifie, a 68-year-old driver, was behind the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler (registration number GT 3993-22) with two passengers on board. He was driving from Texpo towards Excel Community School along the main Community 18 motor road when the incident occurred.
According to the prosecution, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Augustine Oppong stated that upon reaching a section of the road near Pharmacy Junction, Essilifie failed to observe traffic on both sides and suddenly drove onto the road.
In the process, he collided with a Kia Pick-Up (registration number GN 6620-21) driven by 50-year-old Alfred Dumevi, who was approaching from KFC Junction. The impact of the crash caused Dumevi’s vehicle to hit 29-year-old pedestrian Emmanuel Adjetey, who was walking along the roadside.
Adjetey sustained serious injuries and was immediately taken to Danpong Clinic by Essilifie for treatment. He was later referred to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, where he was admitted until his discharge on August 4, 2024.
Investigations later revealed that Essilifie was driving with a foreign license at the time of the accident. Following the inquiry, he was charged and arraigned before the court.