Police in the Central Region have arrested a young couple for allegedly beheading their three‑day‑old baby for money rituals in the Awutu Bontrase area, a case that has horrified the community and drawn nationwide condemnation.
What Happened
The Awutu Bereku District Police Command arrested a man and his partner after residents raised alarm over the disappearance of the newborn shortly after home birth. Officers discovered the baby’s body in a refuse dump in the community with the head severed, prompting a full criminal investigation.
Preliminary police reports indicate that the suspect parents allegedly killed the infant in a suspected ritual intended to bring them wealth or good fortune, though motive details are still under investigation. Authorities have taken both suspects into custody as inquiries continue.
Police Response and Investigation
The Ghana Police Service, through the Awutu Bereku District Command, confirmed the arrests and said that forensic teams and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) are examining evidence, interviewing neighbours, and piecing together the timeline of events. Ghana’s criminal code treats such offences with severe penalties if the suspects are charged and convicted.
Community Shock and Public Reaction
The case has shocked residents of Awutu Bontrase and surrounding communities. Local leaders and civil society advocates have condemned the act, calling for justice and stressing the need for public education to discourage harmful beliefs and superstitions associated with “money rituals.” Religious and community figures have urged calm while law enforcement completes its work.
Background: Ritual Violence and Legal Context in Ghana
Ritual‑related killings — often described locally as “money rituals” — periodically emerge in Ghana despite strong legal and community opposition. Such acts are criminal under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which stipulates life imprisonment for murder and related crimes, and the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which provides additional protections for minors. Experts and child‑rights advocates argue that superstition, economic stress, and misinformation contribute to isolated incidents, underscoring the need for education and stronger enforcement.
What Happens Next
Police have pledged to pursue the investigation diligently, working with social welfare officials and forensic experts. The Public Affairs Directorate of the Ghana Police Service is expected to release updates as the case progresses, and community leaders have appealed for any witnesses to come forward. If charged, the couple could face severe penalties under Ghana’s criminal laws.
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