A nine-year-old girl is recovering from severe physical trauma after her caretaker and alleged elder sister poured hot water on her and inflicted a knife cut on her hand.

The shocking incident, which took place in the Duase community within the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region, has sparked outrage among neighbours and raised serious concerns about child protection and domestic abuse in the area.

The suspect, Beauty Inakwe, who residents identify as a sex worker, was allegedly abusing the victim, who had been brought from Nigeria to live with her.

An Act of Extreme Cruelty: The Incident and Its Cause

The horrific assault occurred last Saturday, November 22, 2025.

According to reports from tenants, the attack was allegedly triggered because the victim defecated inside the room.

The caretaker, Inakwe, allegedly attacked the victim, "beat her and injured her hand because she defecated in the room."

The abuse reportedly stems from inadequate living conditions and neglect.

Neighbours report that the suspect "usually locks the victim and her own child inside their room every night while she goes to work, returning the next morning."

The cramped living space "has no toilet, forcing the children to rely on a public facility in the community."

The nine-year-old victim, unable to reach the facility in time, would resort to defecating into a plastic bag—a practice the suspect allegedly punished with brutal beatings.

Medical Findings Reveal Pattern of Long-Term Abuse

The severity of the burns and the visible signs of past abuse prompted immediate action. When Saturday's commotion drew the attention of tenants and neighbours, they rescued Ruth and rushed her to the Manhyia Hospital.

Health workers at the facility confirmed the worst, telling Citi News that "they found several old bruises on the girl, indicating long-term abuse."

Though Ruth has been medically discharged, she remains in great pain and is currently unable to return to the care of her alleged abuser.

The victim herself confirmed the abuse, saying "she is still in great pain and described how her sister has been abusing her."

Controversy Over Bail Decision

Following the intervention of the community, the suspect, Beauty Inakwe, was arrested by Police at the Kenyase District Command.

However, the police later granted her bail on the same day the incident was reported.

The decision has been attributed to the suspect's own injuries.

Police sources state she "was granted bail to allow her to seek medical care after she was allegedly beaten by some residents before being handed over to the police."

The case is expected to be transferred to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) for comprehensive investigation, particularly given the suspected elements of cross-border child trafficking and long-term domestic abuse, which violates Ghana's Children's Act 560, 1998.

The nine-year-old victim is currently "staying with some community members who are helping her recover," pending further action by state protective services.