Man Jailed 12 Months For Knocking Out Wife’s Four Teeth

A Kumasi man who brutally assaulted his wife, leaving her with a forehead injury and four missing teeth, has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour by the Circuit Court at Old Tafo.

Ibrahim Amadu was convicted on his own plea of guilty to causing harm, contrary to Section 69 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The court, presided over by His Honour Festus Fovi Nukunu, also fined him 500 penalty units and ordered him to pay GH¢2,000 to his wife, Habiba Ali, being the outstanding balance of an agreed GH¢50,000 compensation and medical expenses.

The incident occurred at Duase in Kumasi on August 18, 2026.

Wife Suffers Serious Injuries 

The court noted that Habiba sustained a significant wound to her forehead and lost four teeth in the assault, requiring medical treatment.

The convict’s family had agreed to assist with the victim’s medical expenses and compensation, with GH¢48,000 already paid out of the agreed GH¢50,000, leaving a balance of GH¢2,000.

Although Amadu was a first offender and pleaded guilty, the court said the seriousness of the injuries warranted a custodial sentence.

‘‘Marriage‘ Not A Shield For Violence

Justice Nukunu strongly condemned domestic violence, stressing that violence against a spouse could not be treated as a private family matter.

He said the sanctity of marriage and the family could not be used as a shield for violence against a spouse.

The court took into account Amadu’s first-offender status, his guilty plea, family responsibilities and the efforts by his family to assist the victim.

50-Metre Ban

The court also issued a 12-month protection order under the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732).

Amadu was ordered not to assault, threaten, intimidate or harass Habiba and was barred from coming within 50 metres of her.

He was further prohibited from calling, texting or otherwise communicating with her, except where such communication was reasonably necessary concerning their child or authorised by a court.

Two- Year Peace Bond 

Upon completion of his prison sentence, Amadu is required to enter into his own recognisance with two sureties to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years.

The court ordered that failure to furnish the required recognisance and sureties could attract an additional six months’ imprisonment.

The judge also took into account the two weeks Amadu had already spent in lawful custody when determining the 12-month custodial sentence.

Amadu was informed of his right to appeal against both his conviction and sentence.