Disabled father who dragged his 'stubborn' son on streets of North Legon with speeding quad bike charged for causing harm

A case of alleged child abuse in North Legon has sparked outrage after a 60-year-old man was arrested for reportedly tying his teenage son to a quad bike and dragging him on the streets, leaving the boy with severe injuries.

The suspect, identified as Eric Mante, has since been charged with causing harm following the shocking incident, which residents say unfolded in full public view despite repeated attempts to stop him.

According to police and eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred on May 3, 2026, after the teenager allegedly defied his father’s instructions not to associate with a particular group of friends in the neighbourhood.

The boy had reportedly gone out to play football with friends when his younger sibling informed their father, who had been resting at home. Reports also indicate the teenager later entered a neighbour’s swimming pool without permission.

Mr. Mante, who reportedly lives with a permanent physical disability and uses crutches, followed the group to the playground. With assistance from others, he allegedly apprehended the boy, tied him to the back of his quad bike, and dragged him along tarred roads in North Legon.

Residents say the father ignored repeated pleas from neighbours and road users to stop as the teenager screamed in pain while being dragged through the streets.

The ordeal only ended after residents pursued the suspect and intercepted him. By then, the 16-year-old had suffered 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 effort, 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 stop. So, I had to chase him and make sure people came out to rescue the boy,” he recounted.

He added that even a police officer stationed nearby attempted unsuccessfully to stop the suspect before more residents joined the pursuit.

While in police custody, Eric Mante reportedly broke down in tears and claimed 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 reportedly told the police while sobbing.

Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, confirmed that the suspect has been formally charged while investigations continue.

According to her, the suspect was scheduled to appear in court, but proceedings were delayed after the court did not sit.

“For now, he has been charged with causing harm. As we proceed with investigations, if there are additional charges, we will proffer as well,” she said.

The teenager is currently recovering in hospital, though reports indicate mounting medical expenses nearly forced an early discharge after bills reportedly reached GH¢3,000.

Member of Parliament for the area, Dr. Francis-Xavier Sosu, has since intervened to cover the medical costs and provide additional support for the boy’s recovery.

“We are not only coming to pay the fees for him to be discharged, but we’ll also support all his dressing and provide necessities like feeding and accommodation until he fully recovers,” the MP stated.

Dr. Sosu also insisted that the suspect must face justice despite his physical condition.

“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 conversations around child abuse, parental discipline, and the responsibility of communities to intervene when punishment turns violent.

Residents who witnessed the incident say the swift action by neighbours may have saved the teenager’s life as investigations continue.

By: Stanley Nii Blewu