Francis Owusu, Founder of Christ Upper Room Church, Granted GH¢100,000 Bail for Careless Driving

Francis Owusu, the 55-year-old founder of the Christ Upper Room Church, has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with one surety by the Nkawie Circuit Court. The legal action follows a road traffic incident involving the clergyman, which led to multiple injuries and significant property damage. Owusu appeared before the court to answer charges related to his conduct behind the wheel, highlighting the judiciary's ongoing efforts to enforce road safety regulations regardless of a defendant's social or religious standing.

The prosecution’s case centers on an incident that occurred on April 21, 2026. According to court records, Owusu was driving unsafely when his vehicle collided head-on with a passenger bus. The impact of the crash was severe, resulting in injuries to seven passengers on board the bus. During the proceedings, it was detailed that the defendant’s driving was considered inconsiderate and unsafe, leading directly to the dangerous encounter on the road.

In his appearance before the court, Owusu pleaded guilty to the charge of careless and inconsiderate driving. However, he entered a plea of not guilty regarding the charge of causing harm to the victims of the crash. The presiding judge, in setting the bail at GH¢100,000, emphasized the gravity of the incident while allowing the defendant to prepare his defense for the contested charges.

This case has drawn attention to the critical issue of road safety in Ghana and the legal responsibilities of all motorists. As the legal process unfolds, the Nkawie Circuit Court has adjourned the matter, with Francis Owusu scheduled to reappear on July 27, 2026. The upcoming trial will likely focus on the extent of the harm caused and whether the defendant’s actions meet the legal threshold for criminal liability beyond the admitted careless driving.