Police in the Awutu Senya West District of Ghana’s Central Region, Ghana, have arrested a couple following the shocking discovery of a dead newborn baby on a refuse dump in Awutu Bontrase.
According to information gathered by GHOne News, the body of the three-day-old baby boy was found on a refuse dump in the community under disturbing circumstances, prompting an immediate search by residents.
Residents reportedly traced the incident to a 24-year-old woman, Abena Benewa, who was said to have delivered the baby at home with the assistance of a traditional birth attendant.
Community members said the attendant allegedly informed the mother that the baby had died shortly after birth, and preparations were being made to bury the body.
However, the baby’s father, Bright Ashiao, aged 26, reportedly insisted on taking the body himself for burial.
Suspicions later grew when the child’s body was discovered on a refuse dump in the area, leading residents to alert the police.
Both parents were subsequently arrested by officers and transferred to the Awutu Bereku police command for further investigation.
Some residents have speculated that the act may be linked to suspected ritual activities, although the Ghana Police Service says investigations are still ongoing and no such claims have been officially confirmed.
The Assembly Member for the Bontrase Electoral Area, Prince Larbie, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over what he described as a worrying rise in criminal activities among some youth in the area.
Meanwhile, the District Police Commander at Awutu Bereku, Edmond Nyamekye, said the suspects remain in police custody and will soon be arraigned before court as investigations continue.
The tragic incident has left residents of Awutu Bontrase shocked and grieving as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death of the infant.
By paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
