Bole: A 35-year-old nursing mother and seamstress is currently in police custody in Bole after being accused of cutting a 5-year-old girl with a blade and subsequently rubbing pepper on her wounds. The disturbing incident has raised concerns about child welfare and safety in the community.
According to Ghana Web, the incident came to public attention on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, when Hassan Abu Peace Brother, the Assembly Member for Mempeasem Electoral Area, discovered the injured child behind his house around 7:00 pm. The Assembly Member shared that he spent considerable time trying to trace the child's parents, as the young girl only referred to her caregiver as 'mama.'
Upon locating the guardian, Hassan Abu Peace Brother cautioned her against further harming the child after learning about her frequent beatings. However, the following morning, he received alarming information. An elderly neighbor informed him that the child was likely to be beaten throughout the night, a claim the guardian initially denied. Despite the assurance, another call came in at 6:00 a.m., reporting that the child had been beaten again, and blade wounds were inflicted before she was sent to school.
Responding swiftly, the Assembly Member went to the school, informed the police and social welfare authorities, and had the suspect arrested when she arrived after being called by school officials. He emphasized the importance for parents to be cautious when entrusting their children to others, stating, "If you're not ready to take care of a child, don't give birth and hand the child over to someone. every child has the right to live. I'll support any punishment given to the woman."
The suspect, identified as Marijana Alhassan, denied the allegations when interviewed by Adom News at the Bole District Police Station. Speaking in Waala, she explained that the girl is her husband's sister's child, who stays with them during her mother's study leave. Marijana described the child as highly dependent, unable to perform basic tasks independently, which she found stressful. She admitted to pushing the child in frustration, claiming the girl fell on a mopping stick and injured herself. Marijana stated she treated the wound and took the child to school before her arrest.
Marijana Alhassan remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Bole District Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. Meanwhile, social welfare officials are keeping a close watch on the child's condition, as she receives medical care at the Bole District Government Hospital.