An Accra High Court presided over by Justice Mrs. Lydia Osei Marfo, has granted GH¢200,000 bail to four individuals implicated in the train accident at Abortia in the Volta Region. The accused, namely Koku Koudjo, Patrick Kwaku Sosu, Alaza Prosper, and Fiadugbe Emmanuel were ordered to provide sureties with justifications and report to the police every Friday.
Additionally, the court mandated the accused and their sureties to submit copies of their Ghana Cards to the Court's Registry, warning that failure to comply could result in bail revocation or issuance of bench warrants for their arrest if they arrive late for court proceedings.
The case, adjourned to June 6, 2024, awaits prosecution disclosures. The accused face charges of abetment of unlawful damage, allegedly aiding a jailed truck driver, Abel Dzidotor, in causing damage to the Diesel Multiple Unit Train.
Granting bail, the court noted that investigations involving the accused were nearing completion, and the damage assessment could proceed even with bail granted. The prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorney Christabel Selma Anafure, informed the court of ongoing expert assessments of the damage.
Defense counsel Richard Laapo argued for bail, stating that the assessment of damage did not impede the court's discretion in granting bail. He emphasized that the Republic's request for an adjournment should not hinder bail consideration.
Prosecution outlined the circumstances leading to the accident, alleging that the accused, accompanied by Dzidotor Abel, attempted to cross railway tracks despite knowing motor vehicles' inaccessibility. The truck, transporting blocks purchased by Koudjo, became stuck on the tracks, leading to the collision with the Diesel Multiple Unit Train during a test drive.
Both the train and truck sustained damage, with the train undergoing examination in Tema and the truck scrap taken to the Juapong Police Station for further action.
The case highlights the legal proceedings surrounding the tragic incident and underscores the importance of accountability in preventing similar accidents in the future.
