Caretaker accused of scalding 9-year-old for defecating indoors

The caretaker of a nine-year-old girl allegedly poured hot water on her and cut her hand with a knife, leaving her with serious injuries.

The shocking incident, which took place in the Duase community within the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region, has sparked outrage among neighbours and raised serious concerns about child protection and domestic abuse in the area.

The suspect, Beauty Inakwe, who residents identify as a sex worker, was allegedly abusing the victim, who had been brought from Nigeria to live with her.

According to residents, the suspect usually locks the victim and her own child inside their room every night while she goes to work, returning the next morning.

The room has no toilet, forcing the children to rely on a public facility in the community.

When the victim is unable to reach it in time, she reportedly defecates into a plastic bag, a practice the suspect reportedly disapproves of, responding with severe beatings.

Saturday’s incident drew the attention of tenants and neighbours, who rescued the girl and took her to the Manhyia hospital.

Health workers at the facility said they found several old bruises on the girl, indicating long-term abuse.

Although she has been discharged, the victim says she is still in great pain and described how her sister has been abusing her.

Police at the Kenyase District Command arrested the suspect but later granted her bail on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Police sources say she was granted bail to allow her to seek medical care after she was allegedly beaten by some residents before being handed over to the police.