An Accra Circuit Court presided over by His Honour Bright Samuel Acquah, has granted bail of GH¢150,000 with sureties to Pastor Elisha Salifu Amoako, founder and General Overseer of Alive Chapel International, his wife Mouha Amoako, and Linda Bonsu Bempah.
They face charges for permitting their son, Elrad Salifu Amoako, to drive a white Jaguar F-Pace Sport (registration number GN 7801-20) without a valid license on October 12, 2024, around 5:30 PM in East Legon.
The trio has been charged with “permitting an unlicensed person to drive,” contrary to Regulation 42 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180).
During the proceedings, the prosecution requested that the accused deposit their passports and Ghana cards, but the court ruled that they could retain these documents, provided they notify the court before any travel.
Background of the Case
The prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorney Ebenezer Yaw Acquah, detailed that Elisha Salifu Amoako, a Reverend Minister, is the father of the 16-year-old suspect.
Mouha Amoako, a banker, is Elrad’s mother, while Linda Bonsu Bempah is a sales assistant at Lilo Stitches, owned by Elrad’s elder brother.
On the day of the incident, while celebrating the 25th birthday of his brother Elyon Amoako, Bempah allegedly handed the keys to the Jaguar to Elrad, fully aware that he was a minor without a driver’s license.
Elrad, along with a friend named Prince Tijani, drove the vehicle towards Bawaleshie on Dzanie Ashie Street.
At the Mensah Wood Avenue junction, he collided with the rear of an Acura 4×4 vehicle (registration number GR2542-23).
Incident Details
The impact of the collision propelled both vehicles into a nearby fence, igniting a fire that consumed both cars.
Tragically, two occupants of the Acura, 12-year-olds Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh Boateng, were trapped inside and perished in the flames.
Elrad Amoako and two other injured occupants are currently receiving treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
During police investigations, both Elisha and Mouha Amoako admitted that they had allowed their son to drive to the gym and around their neighborhood.
Next Steps
The case raises significant concerns regarding parental responsibility and adherence to road safety regulations, particularly regarding minors operating vehicles.
The court will continue to hear the case on October 30, 2024, as the investigation progresses.
