Farmer kills wife, friend's child at Awutu Bawjiase

Agona Swedru, March 21, GNA - The Awutu Bawjiase Police have arrested Kweku Busia, a farmer, who killed his wife for threatening to divorce him. After shooting Madam Abena Bannor, Busia, 41, he rushed to the house of his friend, Yaw Mensah, and used the batten of his gun to beat Mensah's three children, resulting in the death of the youngest at the Agona Swedru Government Hospital.

The Agona Swedru District Police Commander, Superintendent Philip Alleawobu, told reporters that Agona Swedru, at the weekend, that in December last year, Busia took one cedi from his wife's revenue from a drinking spot and gave it to his visiting father in-law for his transportation.

According to the District Police Commander, Busia's friend, Mr Yaw Mensah who was then at the bar, informed Busia's wife when she returned home about the money.

The Police Commander said this sparked off trouble between the couple resulting in the woman leaving for her father's home to seek divorce. He said on March 15, Busia went to his estranged wife and asked her to accompany him to the bush in search of firewood for the preparation of gari. But in the bush, Busia asked her if she would return to her matrimonial home and she declined.

The District Commander said the suspect then shot and instantly killed Madam Bannor at a close range. He then rushed to the house of Mensah, whom he blamed for his wife's desertion but did not meet him. He turned his anger on the children, who had locked themselves in on seeing him, broke the door and battered them until Akua Broni, two-and half years old, fell unconscious.

However, the shouts of the children: Charity Afful 12, and Joyce Afful 8, attracted some people who went to their rescue. They sent Akua Broni to the hospital but she died the following day. The Police Commander said Busia was later arrested by his neighbours and sent to the Police at Bawjiase, explaining that while he was in custody it was reported that he had already shot and killed his wife earlier in the day. 21 March 10