In a case that underscores the responsibilities of both young drivers and their guardians, the teenage son of businessman Salifu Amoako has been sentenced to six months at the Senior Correctional Center for causing the deaths of two people in a tragic road accident in East Legon.
The accident occurred when the teenager, driving without a license, collided with another vehicle, instantly killing two passengers. Initially pleading not guilty to charges of manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a license, the young driver later changed his plea to guilty, leading to his conviction.
As part of his sentence, the court mandated that the teenager report to probation officers every two weeks and sign an undertaking to abstain from driving until he reaches the legal age of 18.
The court did not spare the teenager’s parents, highlighting their failure to adequately supervise their underage son. They were fined 500 penalty units each, amounting to GHc 6,000, and held liable for damages caused by the accident. This includes the replacement of a damaged light pole, valued at GHc 8,000.
This ruling serves as a stern reminder of the legal and moral obligations parents bear in preventing such tragedies, as well as the severe consequences of reckless and unlicensed driving.
