In a recent development, an Accra High Court has granted bail in the amount of GHC 200,000 to four individuals who were arrested for their alleged involvement in the train accident at Abortia in the Volta Region.
The accused individuals, namely Koku Koudjo, Patrick Kwaku Sosu, Alaza Prosper, and Fiadugbe Emmanuel, were ordered by Justice Mrs Lydia Osei Marfo to provide sureties with justifications and to report to the police every Friday. Furthermore, the court mandated the accused and their sureties to submit copies of their Ghana Cards to the Court’s Registry.
The court also issued a stern warning to the accused, stating that failure to appear in court would result in the revocation of their bail, and any tardiness would lead to a bench warrant being issued for their arrest.
The case has been adjourned to June 6, 2024, to allow the prosecution to file their disclosures. The accused individuals are facing charges of abetment of unlawful damage, stemming from their alleged involvement in aiding a jailed truck driver, Abel Dzidotor, in causing unlawful damage to the Diesel Multiple Unit Train.
In granting bail to the accused, the court took into consideration that the investigations involving the accused were nearing completion and that the damage caused could still be assessed even with the defendants being granted bail. The prosecution informed the court that experts have been requested to examine the damage, leading to a request for an adjournment and for the accused to remain remanded.
The defense counsel, led by Richard Laapo, highlighted a bail application made on behalf of the accused and argued that the court should exercise its discretion and grant bail despite the Republic's request for an adjournment.
The prosecution presented the case that the accused individuals were involved in transporting blocks via a truck driven by Dzidotor Abel, who is currently incarcerated. Despite knowing that the railway lines were inaccessible to motor vehicles, the accused allegedly used it as a "shortcut" to reach their destination. This ultimately led to a collision between the truck and a new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train, resulting in damage to both vehicles.
As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of adhering to safety regulations and exercising caution when navigating through transportation routes. The consequences of negligence in this context are severe and can lead to significant damage and potential harm to individuals involved.
It is imperative for all individuals involved in transportation activities to prioritize safety and compliance with regulations to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring. As the legal proceedings continue, it is essential for all parties to cooperate fully with the authorities and adhere to the directives of the court.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly serve as a reminder of the critical importance of upholding safety standards in all aspects of transportation and will hopefully contribute to preventing similar incidents in the future.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
