Octogenarian in trouble for locking out widow

An octogenarian has found himself in trouble with the law after locking out his deceased son’s wife of her matrimonial home.

Torgbui Amekudzi, who had been standing trial for four years in a Kumasi Circuit Court together with one of his children, Edward Amekudzi, for conspiracy and unlawful ejection, had both been convicted.

They were sentenced to a fine of GH¢2,400.00 each by the court, presided over by Mrs. Afua Adu-Amankwaah, and ordered to return the keys to the house to the widow.

The two would spend six months in prison if they fail to pay the money.

They had pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Police Chief Inspector Comfort Baffour-Kyei said the woman, Gladys Amankwaah, was married to the late Vasco Amekudzi, for 15 years and the couple lived in their own house at Duase New Site.

The husband was killed in a car crash on December 8, 2010 and the wife collapsed on hearing of the tragic news.

Gladys was kept in hospital for three days and after regaining consciousness, learnt that the husband’s body had been sent to Laloe in the Volta Region, his hometown for burial.

She also shockingly discovered that her matrimonial home had been locked up and every effort to get the in-laws to allow her access to the place proved unsuccessful.

The prosecution said the woman, left with no other option, made a formal report to the Police Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit (DOVVSU), leading to the arrest of the pair.

The convicts in their caution statement defended their action, saying that, it was consistent with their culture and tradition.