A teenage boy, identified as the son of Salifu Amoako, has been sentenced to six months at the Senior Correctional Centre after being convicted of manslaughter in a fatal accident in East Legon.
The accident, which involved the teenager driving into another vehicle, claimed the lives of two passengers on the spot.
Initially, the teenager pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including manslaughter, negligently causing harm, dangerous driving, and driving without a license.
However, he later changed his plea to guilty, resulting in his conviction.
As part of the sentencing, the teenager has been mandated to report to probation officers every two weeks during his incarceration. The court also directed him to sign an undertaking to abstain from driving until he reaches the legal driving age of 18.
The teenager’s parents were fined 500 penalty units each, equivalent to GH₵6,000, for their failure to supervise their son adequately.
Additionally, they have been ordered to pay for damages caused by the accident, including the cost of a light pole valued at GH₵8,000.
The ruling has sparked discussions about parental responsibility and the need for stricter measures to prevent underage driving.
Many have called for more public education on road safety and the consequences of neglecting proper supervision of minors.
This case highlights the broader societal issue of enforcing laws against underage driving and ensuring accountability for preventable accidents