Heartbreak in Kumasi: A retired doctor kills herself and her three sons

Residents of Kumasi's Adum Estates are dealing with a shroud of grief after a tragic occurrence in which a retired doctor is accused of killing her three young sons before killing herself.

On Saturday afternoon, the victims' lifeless bodies were found in their residence close to the 4th Infantry Barracks.

According to preliminary investigations conducted by local officials, the retired doctor, who is said to be in her late 40s, poisoned her children, who were ages 10, 7, and 2, before hanging herself.

The tragedy was discovered after neighbours called the police after noticing a strong smell coming from the property.

Officers discovered the victims trapped in a bedroom, according to Ashanti Regional Police Commander Kofi Amoah, who verified the sobering discovery.

Before killing herself, the woman seems to have given the kids a poisonous drug. However, in order to ascertain the precise circumstances that resulted in this terrible incident, we are undertaking a comprehensive inquiry," he stated.

According to preliminary accounts, the woman's spouse, a senior officer in the Ghanaian military, is presently serving in South Sudan on a peacekeeping assignment.

As part of their continuing investigation into the incident, authorities have stated that they will speak with the spouse and other close family members.

The corpses of the deceased have been taken to the mortuary of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for additional examination and autopsy.

To help the bereaved neighbours and extended family members who are still in shock after the tragedy, psychological support teams have been sent in.

Similar cases have been compared to this one in Accra last year, when a teacher is accused of killing her two kids because to suspected mental health issues.

Advocates for mental health are urging greater public understanding and assistance for those with psychological difficulties.

"These incidents highlight the importance of paying more attention to our loved ones' mental health," said clinical psychologist Dr. Afia Mensa.

As officials continue to look into what might have motivated the retired doctor to carry out such a horrific deed, the Kumasi community is still in grief.