In a tragic incident that occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at East Legon, two 12-year-old girls lost their lives in a devastating car accident, according to confirmation from the police. The victims, identified as Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh, were among five occupants of a Honda Acura vehicle with registration number GR 2542–23. The vehicle was hit from behind by a white Jaguar SUV with registration number GN 7801–20, which was being driven by a 16-year-old son of Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako, the leader of Alive Chapel International. The crash occurred at Mensah Wood Street in East Legon, a busy area known for its traffic and commercial activities.
The impact of the collision caused the Honda Acura to crash into a wooden electric pole, which led to live electrical wires falling onto the vehicle. This sparked a fire that quickly engulfed both cars. Sadly, the two young girls were trapped inside the burning vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene, with their bodies burned beyond recognition. The driver of the Honda Acura, Joseph Ackah, and two other occupants managed to survive the crash and were rescued before the fire consumed the vehicle. They sustained minor injuries and have since been treated and discharged from the hospital. However, the two girls were unable to escape, and their tragic deaths have shocked the local community.
Cornerstone International Academy, the school the two girls attended, has reacted to the tragedy with deep sorrow. In a letter to parents, the school expressed its heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. As a gesture of respect and mourning, the school has announced an early midterm break, closing from Tuesday, October 15, to Friday, October 18, 2024. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the affected families, and we wish those hospitalized a speedy recovery,” the school’s statement read. The early break will allow the school community to process the loss and provide support to those affected by this heartbreaking incident.
The driver of the Jaguar, a 16-year-old whose name has been withheld, survived the accident along with a passenger who was in the vehicle with him. Both were rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Following the accident, the parents of the 16-year-old, Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako and his wife, Mouha Amoako, were arrested by the police. The couple is currently in police custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation. The police are looking into how the 16-year-old was allowed to drive without proper supervision, as well as the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash.
Preliminary investigations by the police have revealed that the Jaguar SUV, driven by the 16-year-old, was traveling at a high speed before it rammed into the Honda Acura. The police statement further confirmed that three of the five occupants in the Acura, including the driver Joseph Ackah, were rescued and sustained only minor injuries. However, the tragic deaths of Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh have raised questions about road safety and the responsibility of parents to ensure their underage children do not engage in reckless driving.
On October 15, 2024, a team from the Police Management Board, led by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, visited the bereaved families to offer their condolences. The IGP and his team also visited the injured survivors of the crash at the hospital, offering them words of encouragement and support during this difficult time. The police have assured the public that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the accident and have vowed to bring justice to the affected families. The community is grieving alongside the families as they cope with the sudden loss of these two young girls.
This tragic accident has also highlighted the importance of road safety and parental supervision. In a country where road traffic accidents are a leading cause of fatalities, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by inexperienced drivers. The involvement of a prominent religious figure, Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako, has further drawn public attention to the case. The authorities are expected to take swift action to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future, especially when it involves underage drivers.
As investigations continue, the police have urged the public to respect the privacy of the affected families and to refrain from spreading false information regarding the case. They have also requested the public’s cooperation as they work towards bringing closure to this tragic incident. The entire East Legon community remains in mourning, and the thoughts of many are with the families of Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh during this incredibly painful time.
