Wa (Upper West), 16 March '99

Kwesi Tawiah, a 30-year-old farmer of Beleufili in the Wa District, allegedly killed his father at the weekend after accusing him of causing his woes. The deceased, Dogomori Katr, 50, was hit on the forehead with a pestle by the suspect while lying on a straw mat outside his compound. He was rushed to the Wa Hospital but died shortly on admission. Briefing newsmen, the Upper West Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Daniel Dokpor, said when the suspect was interrogated, he alleged that he has been having strange dreams about a curse on his life by the deceased which has resulted in his inability to make ends meet. He said he told the deceased to perform rituals to reverse the curse but he refused to do so. According to Inspector Dokpor, the suspect then threatened to divorce his wife who he alleged was the cause of his woes in the family. He also threatened to kill himself with poison but could not readily find any. Determined to cause harm, the suspect took a pestle and hit the deceased's forehead several times resulting in his death. He admitted committing the crime without remorse when questioned by the police, Inspector Dokpor said. He said the suspect was arrested a day after the incident and the deceased has since been buried after a post-mortem at the Wa Hospital. The suspect is to appear before court soon.