The Family and Juvenile Court in Accra has directed the Director of Social Welfare to assist in retrieving a four-and-a-half-year-old girl (name withheld) who is reportedly being unlawfully detained by her mother, Karen Baaba Sam.
The court’s directive follows an earlier ruling that temporarily granted custody of the child to her father, Kwadwo Adjei, with Ms. Sam allowed access.
However, Ms. Sam’s refusal to comply with the ruling has drawn the court’s criticism for undermining the child’s welfare and right to education.
Presiding Judge, Her Worship Bernice Mensimah Ackon, along with panel members Madam Gifty Okai and Mr. Joseph Attigah, expressed concern about the detrimental impact of Ms. Sam’s actions on the child’s development.
“The child is to be in school. The Director of Social Welfare is hereby ordered to aid in the retrieval of the said child as her educational rights are being infringed upon,” the court declared.
Case Background
The custody dispute stems from allegations made by Mr. Adjei against Ms. Sam concerning her parenting and lifestyle choices, which he claims endanger their child.
In court documents, Mr. Adjei accused Ms. Sam of exposing their child to unsuitable environments, including late-night outings, neglect, and the influence of inappropriate relationships. He also alleged incidents of substance abuse and negligence.
The court document revealed an instance in February 2024 when Mr. Adjei, who was undergoing a medical check-up abroad, transferred GH¢50,000 to Ms. Sam for a family trip to a beachfront resort.
Unbeknownst to him, Ms. Sam allegedly included her lover, Albert Obimpeh Abedi, also known as “Uncle Pigy,” on the trip.
Upon his return, Mr. Adjei discovered that his daughter recognized the resort and described witnessing Ms. Sam and “Uncle Pigy” smoking heavily during their stay.
These revelations, coupled with reports from domestic staff, raised further concerns about the child’s safety under Ms. Sam’s care.
Allegations of Misconduct
Mr. Adjei recounted a series of troubling incidents, including an episode where the family’s house help reportedly consumed a biscuit laced with Indian hemp left unattended in the home.
He also alleged that Ms. Sam abandoned the family home following a confrontation about her behavior, leaving the children in his care.
According to Mr. Adjei, the children have since been thriving under his care, where he ensures a stable and nurturing environment.
He has pledged to continue prioritizing their well-being and requested permanent custody with supervised access for Ms. Sam.
Next Steps
The court is expected to continue deliberations to establish a final custody arrangement that prioritizes the best interests of the child.
Meanwhile, the Director of Social Welfare has been tasked with ensuring the child’s immediate retrieval and resumption of her education.
The case highlights the court’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of children amid custody disputes.
