- Driver Richard Essifie charged over pedestrian's death
- Essifie allegedly knocked down Francis Yaw Osei on General Acheampong High Street
- He granted GH¢30,000 bail with three sureties
Richard Essifie, a driver accused of knocking down a 52-year-old pedestrian on General Acheampong High Street, has appeared before the Dansoman Circuit Court.
Essifie, who was driving a Daewoo Matiz Taxi with registration number AS 890-19, allegedly struck the pedestrian, Francis Yaw Osei, around 4:35 a.m. on February 15, 2025, along the road in the Greater Accra Region. Osei was later pronounced dead while receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The driver faces charges of careless and inconsiderate driving, as well as negligently causing harm. Essifie has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In a ruling by the court, presided over by Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, Essifie was granted bail set at GH¢30,000 with three sureties. All sureties must be public servants earning a minimum of GH¢2,000 and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, Essifie was ordered to deposit his Ghana Card at the court registry and report to the police every two weeks.
The case has been adjourned to April 30, 2025.
Inspector Esther Mensah, leading the prosecution, informed the court that Essifie was driving from Dansoman Last Stop towards Kwame Nkrumah Circle with two passengers on board when he allegedly failed to observe traffic regulations. This led to Essifie knocking down Osei, who was crossing the road near Biggies Pub.
Osei sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Ward but tragically succumbed to his injuries. His body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
It was also revealed in court that the vehicle involved in the incident sustained damage.
