Court remands man accused of violently assaulting wife at Ofankor
John Odartey Lamptey, a businessman charged with the brutal assault of his wife at Ofankor in Accra, has been remanded for a second time following his appearance before a Circuit Court at the Police Headquarters on December 3, 2025.
Lamptey, who initially appeared before a District Court, now faces multiple charges including causing harm, physical assault, two counts of making threats of death, and engaging in domestic violence.
His sister, Grace Lamptey, a 51-year-old food vendor, was also brought before the court and charged with making threats of harm. Both individuals pleaded not guilty.
While the court has ordered John to remain in custody, it has granted bail to Grace in the amount of GH¢20,000 with two sureties, requiring her to report to the police biweekly. The case has been postponed until December 16, 2025.
Prosecutors opposed bail for John, arguing that his release could endanger his safety and potentially influence witnesses.
In response, the defense counsel argued that the accused were not flight risks, highlighting that they were apprehended at their known residences and were willing to adhere to any bail conditions set by the court.
The complainant, Harriet Amuzu, a 32-year-old unemployed woman, is the spouse of the first accused. The couple has two children.
According to the prosecution, investigations revealed that in July 2025, John assaulted Harriet, inserted pepper into her vagina, and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.
He allegedly took her mobile phone and one of their children, forcing her to seek refuge with relatives for her safety.
On November 15, 2025, he reportedly contacted her, claiming their two-year-old child was ill. Upon her return the following day, she found that the child was not sick.
The next morning, as she attempted to gather her belongings, John allegedly ripped her clothes, insisting that he had purchased them, and obstructed her from leaving.
Prosecutors informed the court that he removed her clothing, ripped her dress and waist beads, and issued threats to take her life.
“Do you believe I will allow you to leave like that? I will kill you. I have set a trap for you, and I will bury you in the cemetery behind us,” he reportedly stated.
John is alleged to have attacked Harriet using an aluminum mop stick and a slipper, and subsequently wielded a cutlass, commanding her to extend her hands so he could sever them.
He purportedly continued the assault with a PVC pipe, an event that was recorded in a video that spread widely across the internet.
Harriet was able to escape and went into hiding.
Grace, the second defendant, is said to have confronted and threatened the individual who shared the video, declaring: “I give you three days, you will die.” She was apprehended later.
The prosecution indicated that Harriet emerged from hiding on 20 November 2025 and received medical evaluation and psychological counseling.