Ketu North police investigate death of eight-year-old girl allegedly assaulted by father in Dzodze-Fiagbedu

The Ketu North District Police Command has launched investigations into the death of an eight-year-old girl, reportedly linked to assault by her father, at Dzodze-Fiagbedu.

The incident came to light after an informant alerted Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Habada, the District Crime Officer, on September 28, 2025.

According to reports, Thomas Gbemu allegedly beat his daughter, Ivy Gbemu, a Class Two pupil of Dzodze Demonstration School, on September 26. The child subsequently died the following day, September 27, at around 1500 hours. Upon receiving the information, ASP Habada led officers to the father’s residence, but did not find him.

A family source told the Ghana News Agency that the child had returned from school on September 25, complaining of illness, prompting her father to purchase medication from a chemical shop as first aid. During a search of the room where the child reportedly died, police recovered medicines including Efpac Junior Oral Suspension Syrup, Antipa Ladique Tablets, and Wonderful No. 1 Ointment, which have been retained as evidence.

The police, accompanied by a relative of the deceased, proceeded to St. Anthony’s Hospital morgue, where the child’s body was identified. Dr. Samuel Owusu, who examined the body, reportedly found marks of assault on both of Ivy’s arms. The body has been preserved at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.

Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the father, who is currently at large. ASP Emmanuel Habada assured that the matter remains under active investigation.