DEGLORY GH MEDIA

On a humid October evening in Accra, the bustling city was shaken by a tragic incident involving a minor, Elrad Amoako, son of Bishop Elijah Salifu Amoako and his wife, Mouha. Elrad, who was driving a white Jaguar F-Pace Sports, collided with an Acura utility vehicle in the East Legon area. The crash not only resulted in the loss of two young lives but also set the community and national media ablaze with discussion on parental responsibility, accountability, and legal protections for minors.

The incident quickly garnered attention due to the prominence of Bishop Amoako, a highly regarded religious leader and General Overseer of Alive Chapel International. Bishop Amoako, alongside his wife and a sales assistant, Linda Bonsu Bempah, faced the full weight of public scrutiny and legal action for allegedly allowing their underage son to drive without a license. They were subsequently charged with recklessness and negligence, with all three pleading not guilty. The court, taking note of the situation’s sensitivity, granted bail set at GHC 50,000 each.

At the first hearing, the courtroom was packed with members of the press, members of Alive Chapel International, and concerned citizens. The case, overseen by Judge Samuel Bright Acquah at the Accra Circuit Court, focused on initial procedural matters. State Attorney Yaw Acquah requested an adjournment to ensure thorough investigations and to finalize all necessary disclosures. Judge Acquah then moved the next hearing to November 13, allowing the prosecution more time to gather evidence.

Yet, what turned heads during the session was not merely the legal implications of the accident but the aftermath faced by the minor, Elrad, and his family. Images of Elrad in the hospital, undergoing surgery following injuries sustained in the crash, had circulated widely on social media and various news outlets. This dissemination of images, which the defence claimed was done without consent, raised ethical and legal questions, especially concerning the rights of minors in sensitive legal cases. Akosua Adjei Twumwaa, a member of the defence team, argued passionately that the unconsented publication of Elrad’s photos not only invaded his privacy but also violated laws protecting minors.

The defence urged the court to take a stance by ordering the removal of these images from the media and social media platforms. They also sought directives for compliance from the Ghana Police Service and Police Hospital. However, Judge Acquah acknowledged the jurisdictional constraints in this situation. He explained that since Elrad was not technically on trial, the court could not issue orders directly related to him at this juncture. Instead, he advised the defence to consider filing a formal complaint with the police, who could then escalate the matter to a Juvenile Court, where Elrad’s rights as a minor could be more directly addressed.

The tragic accident and subsequent legal battle have sparked national dialogue on various fronts. Legal experts and the general public have debated the limits of parental accountability when minors engage in activities that result in fatal outcomes. Many questions remain: should parents be solely responsible for accidents caused by their children, or should there be shared accountability if the child can comprehend the consequences of their actions?

Religious leaders and figures close to Bishop Amoako have since come forward, offering prayers and support to the grieving families of the victims, as well as to the Amoako family. While Alive Chapel International and other church organizations have largely remained silent on the case, a few members have voiced concerns over what they perceive as targeted attacks on Bishop Amoako’s family due to his public standing. These comments have fueled further speculation about the media’s role in the case, with some believing that the publication of Elrad’s hospital images is indicative of the pressures high-profile figures face in Ghanaian society.

As the November 13 hearing approaches, Bishop Amoako, his family, and their legal team prepare for a rigorous defense. The defence aims to clear the family of all charges while upholding Elrad’s rights as a minor amid the storm of public opinion and ethical complexities.