Man jailed four years after threatening mother with knife, scissors

A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to four years in prison with hard labour after admitting that he threatened to kill his mother during two confrontations at Ningo, near Benso in the Western Region.

Joseph Quaye, who is unemployed, pleaded guilty to the charge of threat of death before the Tarkwa Circuit Court. The court, presided over by Bernice Mensima Ackon, convicted him on his own plea and handed down the sentence.

Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police Veronica Tibson told the court that Quaye had been having disagreements with his mother, Afua Adenzie, a trader, for some time. According to the prosecution, he had previously threatened to assault her.

The situation escalated on the evening of June 12, 2026, when Quaye returned home at about 7:00 p.m. His mother reportedly noticed an unpleasant smell and advised him to bathe properly.

The comment angered Quaye, who began arguing with and insulting his mother. The prosecution said he subsequently pulled a pair of scissors from his pocket and threatened to stab her, forcing her to plead with him not to harm her.

Hours later, at about 2:00 a.m. on June 13, Quaye allegedly returned while his mother and other family members were asleep. This time, he threatened her with a knife.

The court heard that Quaye also stated that, had he possessed a gun, he would have shot his mother in the ribs. His senior brother was said to have witnessed the incident.

Quaye was later taken into custody at the Benso Police Station in connection with a separate matter involving a stolen firearm. After learning that he had been arrested, his mother went to the police station and formally reported the threats against her.

He was subsequently prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to four years' imprisonment with hard labour.

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