Father arrested after 13-year-old daughter dies following severe beating

Police in the Greater Accra Region have arrested a 54-year-old mason accused of fatally assaulting his 13-year-old daughter at Kokrobite.

According to early findings from the Weija Divisional Police Command, Isaac Adonteng allegedly subjected his daughter, Celestine Adonteng, to prolonged physical assault after accusing her of taking food meant for a younger sibling.

Investigators say the child was beaten with a cane, a metal pipe and other items inside the family home.

A police statement issued by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, noted that despite the girl suffering extensive injuries, her father did not seek medical care. Instead, Celestine was reportedly locked inside a room until police arrived.

Officers were acting on a complaint when they entered the residence and found the teenager unconscious.

She was taken to the Police Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Her body has been placed in the hospital morgue pending an autopsy.

Adonteng has since been detained as part of ongoing investigations.

Police say several items believed to have been used in the assault—including a cutlass and a metal pipe—were recovered from the scene.

The Accra Regional Command has issued a strong reminder to parents and guardians that excessive force in disciplining children is illegal and can have devastating consequences.

The public has been urged to report any suspected child abuse or domestic violence promptly for timely intervention.