The Tarkwa Circuit Court sentenced Joseph Quaye, a 26‑year‑old unemployed man, to four years’ imprisonment in hard labour for threatening to stab his mother with a knife and a pair of scissors.
Quaye pleaded guilty to threat of death and was convicted on his own plea by Judge Bernice Mensima Ackon.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Veronica Tibson, who led the prosecution, told the court that the complainant, Afua Adenzie, is a trader and resident of Ningo, a town near Benso in the Western Region.
She said Quaye had been having issues with his mother for some time and had repeatedly threatened to assault her. Around 7:00 pm on 12 June 2026, Quaye entered her residence. The complainant perceived an offensive odour from him and advised him to bathe properly.
Quaye became angry, quarrelled with the complainant and insulted her, calling her a prostitute and using other provocative words. He then pulled a pair of scissors from his pocket and threatened to stab her, but she pleaded for her life.
At about 2:00 am on 13 June 2026, Quaye returned to the house while the complainant and her siblings were sleeping and threatened her with a knife. He added that if he had a gun he would have shot her in the ribs in the presence of her senior brother, who witnessed the incident.
Quaye was picked up at Benso police station in connection with a stolen gun issue. Upon learning of his arrest, the complainant went to the police station and filed a complaint.
Quaye’s conviction marks a stern reminder that domestic threats of violence will be met with decisive legal action. The court’s ruling is expected to deter similar incidents in the region.
