Ghana Should Consider Custodial Sentences for Deaths Arising Out of Drunken Driving

An Accra Circuit Court has convicted 34-year-old Yaw Takyi Jones, who caused the death of two people while
driving under the influence of alcohol.
Jones has been sentenced to pay a fine of GHC 21,600, and in default, he will serve a 12-month prison sentence.
Jones pleaded guilty to charges of careless and inconsiderate driving, two counts of negligently causing harm, and
driving under the influence of alcohol.
During his plea for mitigation, he asked the court to show mercy, explaining that he had consumed alcohol after
attending a funeral before being asked by his manager to deliver goods to a shop.
He further stated that he had refrained from drinking alcohol since the incident occurred.
During proceedings, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nana Oppong urged the court to impose a deterrent
sentence on Yaw Takyi Jones, highlighting his lack of awareness of the fatal consequences of his actions.
The Daily Searchlight is of the opinion that the time has come for Ghana to consider a mandatory custodial sentence
for drivers who cause deaths or injuries after imbibing alcohol.
We believe that those who consume alcohol do so for the primary reason that they know that alcohol would make
them drunk. They know this, before they consume alcohol.
As drivers, they also know that it is necessary that the greatest care be taken when one is driving.
Putting the two together, the inescapable conclusion is that these drivers who kill, know that what they are doing is
wrong, but believe it is worth the risk, until they wake up with death on their hands.
One way to circumvent this, is for the nation to enact a law that makes it mandatory for courts to impose significant
custodial sentences on those who kill with vehicles whilst drunk. A person who is drinking, knowing that he will
wake up to face jail time, would exercise greater care.
Secondly, we believe that the time has come for Ghana’s legal community to get involved in seeking punitive
damages and monetary fines against the owners of vehicles involved in such accidents.
We believe that this is the only way by which we can begin to discourage the practice of drunk driving.
(Editorial of the Daily Searchlight of Friday, November 8 th , 2024).