Woman who beat and burned nine-year-old remanded

A Nigerian woman has been remanded in custody by the Tafo Circuit Court after allegedly assaulting her nine-year-old sister and pouring hot water on her.

Beauty Alakwe, 34, a commercial sex worker, appeared in court on Tuesday (25 November), charged with causing harm and assault contrary to Sections 69 and 84 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The court presided over by His Honour Festus Fovi Nukunu ordered her to remain in prison for two weeks pending further investigation.

 

Brief facts

According to police and court documents, the alleged incident took place on 22 November at Duase near Kenyasi in the Ashanti Region.

The victim (name withheld), reportedly defecated inside their shared room, which has no toilet facilities. The room is said to have been routinely locked by Alakwe, forcing the victim and Alakwe’s own child to rely on public toilets at night.

Witnesses, including the landlady Akua Nyarko, told authorities that Alakwe frequently subjected the children to severe beatings.

On the day of the incident, Alakwe allegedly assaulted Ruth and poured hot water on her right hand, causing serious burns. The Assemblyman for Duase, Hon. Anthony Agyei, intervened after community members reportedly confronted Alakwe.

During police investigations, Alakwe admitted to assaulting Ruth for defecating in the room but denied pouring hot water on her.

Investigators noted previous marks of abuse on the victim.

Alakwe’s plea was deferred as she sought legal representation, and she will return to court on 12 December once she has secured counsel.

– ASAASE NEWS