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By Efua Nessa
A case of alleged child abuse in North Legon has sparked widespread outrage after a 60-year-old father reportedly tied his teenage son to a quad bike and dragged him along the streets, leaving the boy seriously injured. The suspect, identified as Eric Mante, has been charged with causing harm following the shocking incident, which witnesses say unfolded in full public view despite repeated attempts to stop him.
According to police and eyewitness reports, the incident occurred on May 3, 2026, after the teenager allegedly disobeyed his father’s instructions not to associate with a certain group of friends. The boy had reportedly gone to play football with his friends when his younger sibling informed their father, who was at home resting. Reports further indicate that the teenager later entered a neighbour’s swimming pool without permission.
Mr. Mante, who reportedly has a permanent physical disability and uses crutches, followed the group to the playground. With help from others, he allegedly apprehended his son, tied him to the back of his quad bike, and dragged him along the tarred roads of North Legon.
Residents say the father ignored repeated pleas from neighbours and passing motorists to stop, even as the boy screamed in pain. The ordeal only ended after residents pursued the suspect and intercepted him. By that time, the 16-year-old had sustained serious injuries to his back, arms, knees, feet, and pelvic area.
The teenager was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, while community members detained the suspect and handed him over to the La Nkwantanang-Madina Divisional Police Command.
Eyewitness Ezekiel Nii Noi, who helped lead the rescue, described the scene as horrifying.
“What I saw was that he tied the child to the back of the motorbike. I tried to stop him because he knows me, but he didn’t. So, I had to chase him and rally others to rescue the boy,” he recounted. He added that even a nearby police officer attempted to intervene but was unsuccessful until more residents joined the pursuit.
While in police custody, Eric Mante reportedly broke down in tears, claiming he lost control during the incident.
“He has done several wrongs. I have cautioned him several times but he wouldn’t listen. I really don’t know what came over me. I could not comprehend,” he told police, sobbing.
Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, confirmed the suspect has been formally charged with causing harm. She added that investigations are ongoing and additional charges may be filed. Court proceedings were delayed as the court did not sit on the scheduled date.
The teenager remains hospitalized, with mounting medical bills reportedly reaching GH¢3,000. Member of Parliament for the area, Dr. Francis-Xavier Sosu, has intervened to cover the medical expenses and provide ongoing support for the boy’s recovery.
“We are not only paying the fees to ensure he is discharged, but we will also support all his dressing and provide necessities like food and accommodation until he fully recovers,” Dr. Sosu said. He also emphasized that the father must face justice.
“What the dad did, irrespective of his condition, was deadly. This child could have died. That was wickedness and criminal,” he said.
The incident has reignited discussions on child abuse, parental discipline, and the role of communities in intervening when punishment escalates to violence. Neighbours say their quick action may have saved the teenager’s life as investigations continue.