A 25-year-old cook, Jemima Kwaku, is currently standing trial at the Ho Circuit Court for allegedly burning her 11-year-old son with a heated pressing iron as punishment for losing a pen. The disturbing incident reportedly took place on July 15 at Ho Barracks–New Town.
According to the prosecution, Kwaku locked the boy in a bedroom before pressing the hot iron onto his belly, chest, lips, shoulders, and backside. The boy had explained that a classmate borrowed the pen and failed to return it, but his mother allegedly refused to accept the explanation.
The court, presided over by Abdul O. Hakeem, heard that the boy was warned not to reveal the incident. However, his class teacher noticed his strange behavior on July 18 and, upon questioning, the boy disclosed the abuse. The school alerted the police, leading to Kwaku’s arrest and the boy’s hospitalization.
Kwaku, who appeared in court on July 21, pleaded not guilty to causing harm, although she admitted to the act in her caution statement. She has been remanded into prison custody until August 19, and the child is now in the care of social workers.
This case echoes a similar incident in Ho in May 2024, where a 62-year-old woman was arrested for burning her niece over unsold kebabs. That child was also placed in social care.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report child abuse and prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children.
