Claims that suspect Elrad Salifu Amoako isn’t at the Osu Correctional Centre is false – Police

The Ghana Police Service has denied recent claims that Elrad Salifu Amoako, the 16-year-old suspect involved in the tragic East Legon accident, is not being held at the Osu Correctional Centre as mandated by the court.

On November 1, the suspect appeared before the court, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges related to the accident. The court ordered his remand at the Osu Correctional Centre, but within the past 24 hours, rumours surfaced alleging that he was not, in fact, in custody at the designated facility.

In response to the claims, the Ghana Police Service released a statement affirming that Amoako remains at the Osu Correctional Centre.

“Following the Court's order on 1st November 2024, suspect Elrad Salifu Amoako was taken to the Osu Correctional Centre, where he remains as of this morning,” the statement read.

The Police stressed, “We, therefore, wish to state that this claim is false and constitutes the offence of Publication of false news, contrary to section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).”

Additionally, the Police reported identifying two social media accounts linked to the dissemination of the misinformation: a TikTok user under the handle "prisywanlov1" and a Facebook user "EmpressPapa A-Amigos." Investigations are currently underway to identify and hold accountable the individuals behind these accounts.

The Police further expressed disappointment over individuals exploiting a tragic event for personal attention.

“We find it deeply unfortunate that a tragic incident resulting in the loss of two beautiful souls is being exploited by some individuals in an unGhanaian manner to draw attention to themselves,” the release continued.

The Ghana Police Service has appealed to the public to verify information from credible sources to avoid amplifying false narratives, especially on sensitive issues involving loss and grief.