Mother remanded for allegedly burning 11-year-old son over lost pen
Story by Susan Mbamah
A 25-year-old woman in Ho, Ghana has been remanded into custody after she allegedly burned her 11-year-old son with a heated pressing iron as punishment for losing a pen.
The accused, Jemima Kwaku, a cook, has been charged with causing harm and pleaded not guilty at the Ho Circuit Court. She will remain in custody until her next court date on August 19, 2025, as the investigation continues.
According to police prosecutors, the incident happened on July 15, 2025, at the family’s home. The boy told his mother that a schoolmate had borrowed the pen and didn’t return it.
Unconvinced by his explanation, Jemima allegedly locked him in a bedroom, heated a pressing iron, and pressed it against his body, burning his belly, chest, lips, shoulders, back, and backside. She then reportedly warned the boy not to tell anyone.
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The abuse came to light on July 18 when the boy’s teachers noticed he was quiet and withdrawn. When they asked him what was wrong, he revealed what had happened, and the headmaster reported the incident to the police.
The boy was given medical treatment and is now in the care of the Department of Social Welfare, where he is recovering physically and receiving psychosocial support.
During the court proceedings, Judge Felix Datsomor presided over the case. Prosecutors, led by ASP Noah Amuzu, argued that the evidence was clear and requested that she be remanded while the investigation is finalised. The case has been adjourned until August 19, 2025.
This incident has sparked outrage among child rights advocates and the public, drawing attention to the issue of child abuse.
This is not an isolated case in the area; in May 2024, a 62-year-old woman was also prosecuted for burning her nine-year-old niece with a hot iron after the girl failed to sell kebabs. That child was also placed under social welfare care.
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Child protection groups are using these events as a reminder that violent punishment remains a serious issue and that while discipline is necessary, it should not come at the cost of a child’s safety and well-being.
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