The National Coalition on Domestic Violence Legislation in Ghana, (DV Coalition) has called on the Ghana Police Service and the National Coordinator of DOVVSU to probe into the death of Lilian Dedjoe.

In a press statement by the Coalition, Wednesday, they revealed that the deceased, before meeting her untimely death, had suffered a series of abuse in her relationship.

"The DV Coalition calls upon the Ghana Police Service and the National Coordinator of DOVVSU to thoroughly investigate this matter as there appears to be evidence of a history of domestic violence in the relationship of the couple. This is evident from the pictures of the deceased which have appeared on social media."

The deceased who died on March 6, 2021, was allegedly beaten to death by her husband, Prince Charles Dedjoe.

Giving more details, State Prosecutor, Sergent Gidiglo said on March 1, 2021, an argument ensued between the couple, and as a result, the accused assaulted the deceased who sustained injuries. She subsequently went for treatment at the Madina Polyclinic.

When the deceased returned home, her condition deteriorated and on March 6, fell into a coma. Lillian Dedjoe was then rushed to Lister Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.

A report was made to the police and her husband was arrested. During interrogation, he admitted to assaulting the wife with his slippers.

However, DV Coalition prays the accused person who doubles as a prominent businessman is prosecuted if found guilty of the charges levelled against him.

The Coalition further insisted that more often than not, attempts are made to help wealthy businessman evade justice, hence the need to ensure that justice is done as envisaged under the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732) and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, (Act 29).

"It is of concern to the Coalition, that because the alleged perpetrator appears to be a popular and wealthy businessman reports are that attempts are being made to help him evade justice."

"It is the hope of the Coalition that is not the case; however because there are many other known stories of manipulation by family and community members to assist perpetrators of gender-based violence evade the criminal justice system, the Coalition cannot take this issue for granted," the statement read.

The Coalition also called on the Prosecutions Department of the Attorney-General’s Office to provide the Police with the necessary legal assistance and advice on the docket.

Domestic violence being the leading cause of homicides among women worldwide and in Ghana, DV Coalition urged victims and members of the public to report such incidents to the Police or a relevant agency for intervention.