The 16-year-old son of Bishop Salifu Amoako has been sentenced to six months at the Senior Correctional Centre after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of manslaughter.
The Juvenile Court in Accra presided over by Her Worship Bernice Mensimah Ackon convicted him on his own plea and sentenced him to six months – the highest punishment prescribed by the Juvenile Justice Act, for a juvenile offender for manslaughter.
As part of his sentencing, the court said he is to sign an undertaking not to drive until he turns 18 years old as per the laws of Ghana.
Again, the juvenile is to report to Probation Officers periodically every Friday and his punishment is to start immediately.
The charges stem from a series of events that led to a tragic incident earlier this year, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
Due to the defendant’s age, details of the case remain largely confidential. However, the court found him culpable for his role in the fatalities and other related offenses.
In addition to the sentence, the court ordered Bishop Salifu Amoako to pay over GHS8,000 as compensation for damages to a light pole destroyed at the scene of the incident.
The Bishop and the juvenile’s mother were also fined GHS6,000 each for failing to exercise proper control over their son.
The court’s ruling emphasized rehabilitation over punishment, in keeping with the principles of the juvenile justice system.
The young defendant’s expression of remorse and his age were significant factors in determining the sentence.
Background
On the day of the accident, the Amoako family was celebrating their older son’s 25th birthday at their home. During the festivities, Linda Bempah, an employee of the family, allegedly handed the car keys to their 16-year-old son, fully aware he was unlicensed.
The teenager, accompanied by his friend Prince Tijani, drove the Jaguar along Dzanie Ashie Street in East Legon. At the Mensah Wood Avenue junction, the vehicle collided with the rear of an Acura 4×4. The crash caused both cars to veer off the road, crashing into a fence before catching fire.
Tragically, the occupants of the Acura, 12-year-olds Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh Boateng, were trapped in the wreckage and perished in the blaze.
Investigations revealed that the juvenile had driven the vehicle multiple times before, including to the gym and within the neighbourhood, with the knowledge of his parents.
The State’s decision to amend the charges suggests an intensification of legal efforts to ensure accountability for the devastating loss of lives.
