The Ghana Police Service has dismissed social media reports alleging that the 16-year-old suspect in the East Legon accident that claimed two lives is not in custody at the Osu Correctional Centre, as ordered by the court.

The suspect, the teenage son of popular preacher Salifu Amoako, was placed in detention at Osu following a court ruling on Friday, 1 November 2024, and remains there, according to the police.

In an official statement, the Police described the claims circulating online as “false,” clarifying that “the teenage suspect was indeed taken to the Osu Correctional Centre as ordered by the court and remains there in detention.”

They cautioned the public that spreading such misinformation is an offence under Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which criminalizes the spread of false news.

Authorities have identified two social media accounts involved in propagating the misinformation: a TikTok account under the handle “prisywanlov1” and a Facebook user named “EmpressPapa A-Amigos.” Investigations are ongoing to uncover the identities behind these accounts, and the Police intend to take appropriate legal action.

“We find it deeply unfortunate that some individuals are using this situation in an unGhanaian manner to draw attention to themselves,” the statement added.

The Police also urged the public to show respect and sensitivity to the grieving families by refraining from sharing unverified information and warned against the spread of false narratives during such a sensitive time.