John Setor Dumelo, the multifaceted Ghanaian actor, farmer, and politician, recently addressed the heartbreaking East Legon accident that resulted in the tragic loss of two teenage girls, Justine Mary-Ann Enyonam Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh Boaten. Speaking at a farewell service for Justine held on October 23, 2024, at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra, Dumelo expressed his deep sorrow for the bereaved families, emphasizing the shared pain that comes with such devastating incidents. He articulated that as a parent himself, the tragedy struck home, as he understood the profound anguish that accompanies the loss of a child. He reflected on the need for collective grace, praying that no other family would endure such suffering in the future.
During his remarks, Dumelo acknowledged that the incident opened essential discussions about parenting in today’s world, highlighting the responsibility parents have in guiding their children. He recognized that children may sometimes stray from the right path but stressed that it remains paramount for parents to maintain an active role in their children’s lives. He noted the importance of discipline, suggesting that by instilling good values and ensuring a supportive environment, parents could help their children avoid negative influences and unsavory behaviors. His comments resonated with the views of Justine’s family, underlining the broader societal need for thoughtful and engaged parenting.
Drawing attention to the specific circumstances surrounding the accident, Dumelo highlighted the inadequacies of the road infrastructure in East Legon, specifically the Mensah Wood Avenue, where the accident took place. He pointed out that this road lacked critical speed ramps, which could potentially mitigate reckless driving and enhance safety for all road users. In his view, the presence of such speed control measures might have altered the outcome of the fateful crash. Dumelo called for the implementation of more speed ramps not only in East Legon but also across the country, advocating for safety measures that could prevent similar tragic events in the future.
The fatal accident reportedly occurred when a Jaguar vehicle, operated by 16-year-old Elrad Salifu Amoako, collided with an Acura carrying Justine and her friend. The subsequent crash led to both vehicles catching fire, tragically resulting in the death of the two 12-year-olds. As the incident escalated into a legal matter, Elrad’s parents faced charges for allowing their unlicensed son to drive. Given the gravity of the case, Dumelo expressed his hopes for justice, insisting that the legal process should unfold and ensure accountability where necessary.
While addressing the incident, Dumelo refrained from commenting on the statements made by Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako, the father of the teenage driver, who claimed in a church service that his son did not intentionally cause the deaths. Rather, Dumelo focused on the need for the law to take its course, emphasizing his trust in the judicial system to handle the matter appropriately. This stance shared his desire for justice without delving into the emotional complexities surrounding the familial connections involved in the tragedy.
Dumelo’s comments have underscored not only the personal impact of the accident on families but also the significant societal implications regarding traffic safety and parenting. His advocacy for better road infrastructure and responsible parenting reflects broader concerns about public safety and the responsibility of parents to guide their children. As the community mourns the loss of two young lives, Dumelo’s insights serve as a poignant reminder of the collective duty to prioritize safety and nurture within families, with the hope that such a tragedy will not recur in the future.
