We are deeply concerned about the recent sentencing of Yussif Awuni, a 33-year-old articulated truck driver, by the Tema Circuit Court ‘B’. The court found Awuni guilty of careless and inconsiderate driving, negligence causing harm, and failure to report an accident, following an incident on July 9, 2022.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jacob A. Asamani, prosecuting, Awuni was driving a Mercedes Benz articulated flat body truck belonging to B5 Plus Company Limited when he applied his brakes without due care or attention, causing the vehicle to skid off the road and fatally strike Mr. Alex Abeiku Addo, who was riding a motorcycle at the time.
The tragic incident led to the untimely death of Mr. Addo, as confirmed by a post-mortem examination performed at the Tema General Hospital. The cause of death was determined to be hemorrhagic shock, as a result of multiple bony and soft tissue injuries sustained in the accident.
In light of these findings, the court has sentenced Awuni to a fine of Gh₵1,200 and one day imprisonment for his reckless actions. However, Awuni has the opportunity to avoid imprisonment by honoring the fine; failure to do so would result in a nine-month imprisonment.
It is important to note that the Vanguard Insurance Company covering the truck has taken responsibility for the damaged properties resulting from the incident.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the serious consequences of careless driving and the paramount importance of road safety. Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Mr. Alex Abeiku Addo during this difficult time.
We hope that this verdict will underscore the need for all road users to exercise vigilance and responsibility while on the road, in order to prevent further tragedies of this nature.
-source GNA | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
