Efua Benneh, grandmother of Justine Agbenu, one of the victims of the fatal East Legon accident, has called for urgent reforms to Ghana’s Juvenile Justice Act 2003 (Act 653).
Her demand follows the sentencing of a 16-year-old driver involved in the tragic collision that claimed two lives, including her granddaughter’s.
The juvenile offender received the maximum sentence under current laws—six months at the Senior Correctional Centre—after being convicted of reckless driving and manslaughter.
Speaking after the sentencing, Madam Benneh described the punishment as inadequate, given the magnitude of the crime.
“It is heartbreaking to see someone cause the deaths of two people and face such a minor consequence. This law needs to change to ensure justice and accountability,” she stated.
She urged lawmakers to amend the Juvenile Justice Act to allow for stiffer penalties in cases of reckless behaviour resulting in fatalities, arguing that the current system fails to address the gravity of such offences.
The case has reignited public debate over Ghana’s juvenile justice system, with many questioning whether the existing penalties are sufficient for serious crimes.
While advocates for reform push for stricter sentencing to deter juvenile offenders, others caution against undermining the rehabilitative intent of the juvenile justice framework.
The Juvenile Justice Act 2003 prioritises rehabilitation over punishment, reflecting the belief that minors can reform and reintegrate into society. However, critics argue that crimes involving loss of life, such as manslaughter, warrant exceptions to ensure proportional accountability.
“Rehabilitation is crucial, but the law must also reflect the severity of actions that cause irreparable harm,” a legal analyst noted.
Madam Benneh’s plea has sparked discussions among lawmakers, civil society groups, and the legal community. Calls for a review of the law are growing, with many suggesting that reforms could strike a balance between rehabilitation and justice for victims’ families.
As the nation mourns the victims of the East Legon accident, the tragedy serves as a catalyst for potential change, highlighting the need to align juvenile justice with public expectations of fairness and accountability.