By Sankofaonline News Desk | November 20, 2025
The community of Kokrobite, in the Greater Accra Region, has been plunged into grief following the tragic death of 13-year-old Celestine, allegedly at the hands of her father and stepmother.
The suspects, Issah Mohammed and Yaa Grace, are in police custody after neighbors raised alarms about suspicious circumstances surrounding the child’s demise.
A Brutal End
Eyewitnesses report that the abuse began when Yaa Grace informed Mohammed that Celestine had eaten food belonging to a younger male sibling.
- The father allegedly beat Celestine with a cane, a book, and a cutlass, causing severe internal injuries.
- After the assault, the couple reportedly locked her in a room, denying food , water hygiene needs and treatment.
- Celestine allegedly succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Neighbors, disturbed by the unusual silence, alerted the Kokrobite District Police Command, leading to the couple’s arrest and detention. Celestine’s body has been sent to the Police Hospital for autopsy as investigations continue.
History of Abuse and Calls for Justice
Relatives of Celestine’s biological mother expressed outrage, citing a history of abuse by Mohammed.
Justina Acquah, a family member, confirmed that Mohammed had divorced Celestine’s mother due to his violent tendencies. She has demanded justice for Celestine, insisting that the suspects be held fully accountable for the death of Celestine.
Child Abuse in Ghana: A Growing Crisis
This heartbreaking case underscores the alarming prevalence of child abuse in Ghana:
- 9 out of 10 children suffer psychological aggression.
- Nearly 1 in 5 children endure severe physical punishment.
- Abuse costs Ghana an estimated USD 200 million annually, about 1% of GDP.
Cultural practices and societal norms that tolerate corporal punishment continue to blur the line between discipline and abuse.
Government and Community Response
Efforts to combat child abuse are ongoing, with initiatives led by the Government of Ghana and partners like UNICEF.
Key Strategies
- Awareness Campaigns: The Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) campaign mobilizes national support to shift harmful norms.
- Strengthening Social Welfare: Building capacity for social workers and community staff to protect vulnerable children.
- Legislative Action: Ghana’s Children’s Act (Act 560) prohibits harmful force. Child-friendly courts provide sensitive redress.
- Community Interventions: District Child Protection Committees promote children’s rights locally.
- Justice Enforcement: Police and courts are urged to ensure perpetrators face swift accountability.
Conclusion
Celestine’s tragic death is a painful reminder of the urgent need to dismantle the culture of violence in homes and accelerate child protection efforts nationwide.
The nation now awaits the autopsy results and judicial process, demanding that justice be served for Celestine.
