Bishop Salifu Amoako, a prominent religious leader and father of the 16-year-old boy involved in a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two young girls in East Legon, has called for an end to public discussions surrounding the incident. The accident occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024, and has since gained significant attention, sparking widespread debate and public outcry.
Speaking to his congregation at Alive Chapel International on Sunday, October 20, Bishop Amoako addressed the situation, urging Ghanaians to show restraint and stop sensationalizing the tragedy. He emphasized that his son did not deliberately cause the deaths, stating that it was an unfortunate accident rather than an act of intentional violence.
“It was an accident. My son did not carry a gun to kill anybody. He involved himself in a terrible accident, and I am not the one who did it, nor his mother. It is my name, that is why people are talking,” Bishop Amoako told his congregation.
The bishop expressed deep frustration with the public’s reaction, pointing out that while accidents can be devastating, they are not crimes. He urged the public to approach the situation with empathy, allowing the legal process to take its course without passing premature judgments. Bishop Amoako highlighted that the ongoing public scrutiny was compounding his family’s grief, making an already painful situation even more difficult to bear.
In his address, Bishop Amoako suggested that the intense focus on the incident was largely due to his social status. He noted that had it been an ordinary accident involving someone of lesser prominence, the same level of attention and outrage would not have been drawn.
“If this was an Okada [motorcycle] accident, who would mention it? It is just because it is my name, so keep quiet and let’s see what the Lord will do,” he said.
The bishop urged the public to focus on the facts and refrain from unnecessary speculation. He asked that his son be viewed like any other person involved in a tragic accident, rather than through the lens of his father’s high-profile status.
Bishop Amoako concluded by calling for compassion, emphasizing that his family is going through immense pain and that the public discourse surrounding the incident is only deepening their suffering. He encouraged everyone to trust the legal process and allow justice to unfold naturally.