East Legon accident: Family of deceased laments suspect driver Elrad Amoako's 6-month sentencing

The family of Justin Agbenu has responded to Elrad Amoako's sentencing. The Accra Central Correction Court sentenced him to six months in a senior corrections centre. This judgement was announced on Thursday, December 19.

In October, Elrad drove a Jaguar at high speed. He crashed into an Acura at a junction in East Legon. Both cars caught fire, resulting in the deaths of Justin Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh Boaten.

Outside the courtroom, Justin’s grandmother expressed her disappointment. She repeatedly asked, “What can I say?” She acknowledged that the court had spoken but hoped for changes in the future. “You can’t kill two people through reckless driving and get this outcome,” she said.

Another elderly woman in mourning clothing questioned the court's decision. “So is this all the court will say?” she asked.

Justin’s grandmother believed Elrad’s parents should face severe punishment. She criticized them for not monitoring their son, who is only 16 years old and does not have a driving license. “Who really should be blamed?” she questioned.

She pointed out that Elrad's father admitted he drives without a license. “A crab doesn’t beget a bird,” she remarked about his behavior.

The other grandmother added that Elrad’s father claimed during church service that his son did not pull a gun to kill anyone. Justine’s grandmother challenged this statement, questioning his role as a pastor.

She noted that initially, Elrad pleaded not guilty to all charges, showing no empathy for human life. However, after reviewing evidence presented by prosecutors, he changed his plea to guilty.

“Salifu Amoako has money and hired six lawyers,” she stated about the legal defense strategy. When they realized they couldn't refute the evidence, they switched tactics.

Regarding the timeline of court proceedings, she felt it was appropriate. She mentioned that if they waited too long under juvenile law, the case could become irrelevant.

Sarcastically concluding her remarks, she said to Salifu Amoako and Mouha: “We say sorry indeed.”