The Asokore Mampong District Court has granted bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with two sureties to Actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win.
The accused has been charged with dangerous driving and negligently causing harm. Counsel for the accused, Margaret Adjei-Twum, who argued for bail for her client drew the court’s attention to the fact her client suffered injuries, including internal bleeding and required further treatment.
She assured the court that Lil Win, being a well-known figure, would not interfere with police investigations. The prosecution requested that the accused make himself available whenever needed as the investigation continues.
The case has been adjourned to June 27, 2024.
Lil Win was arrested on Monday, June 3, by officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Manhyia Divisional Command shortly after being discharged from hospital.
His arrest was connected to a recent accident involving a vehicle he was driving, which tragically resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy. The family of the deceased had intensified calls for justice, but police cited ill health as the reason for the delay in causing his arrest.
Meanwhile, a private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu says per the charges of careless and inconsiderate driving Lil Win could face a jail term.
Commenting on the case in a radio interview with Accra based Joy FM, Mr Kpebu said while fines are typical in such cases, imprisonment is possible, especially given the severity of the accident and the death of the 3-year-old.
“In terms of penalties, imprisonment is possible, but fines are typically imposed. However, in particularly severe cases, imprisonment can occur, and it can be up to five years,”
He emphasised the need for a stronger punishment to serve as a deterrent to reckless drivers in Ghana, where road accidents claim over 2000 lives annually.
He believes that a stricter sentence would send a strong message and promote road safety.
“We don’t often charge them with manslaughter.”
He said it is normally reckless, dangerous driving and others that the police normally charge them with.
“Yes, over the past decade, more than 2000 people have died annually in road accidents. Yet, we don’t see drivers being imprisoned for years.”
