A Ho Circuit Court has remanded 25-year-old cook Jemima Kwaku after she allegedly burned her 11-year-old son with a hot iron as punishment for losing a school pen.
Presided over by Judge Abdul O. Hakeem, the court heard the brutal incident occurred on July 15th at their Ho Barracks–New Town residence.
Prosecutor ASP Noah Amuzu detailed how Kwaku locked her son in a bedroom upon learning he’d lost the pen. Though the boy explained a classmate borrowed it and promised to return it the next day, his mother plugged in a pressing iron. When hot, she pressed it repeatedly against his belly, chest, lips, shoulders, and backside. She then allegedly warned him to stay silent.
The child’s ordeal came to light three days later when his teacher noticed his withdrawn behavior. After questioning, he revealed the burns. School authorities alerted police, leading to Kwaku’s arrest on July 21st. She pleaded not guilty to causing harm despite admitting to the act in her caution statement.
The victim is now receiving medical care and has been placed with social workers. Kwaku remains in custody until her next court date on August 19th. This case echoes a similar May 2024 incident in Ho where a woman burned her niece over unsold kebabs. When will this end?
