According to a report by TV3 GH today, a parent in Ghana's Ashanti Region has been detained for reportedly killing his son because of low performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Kwame Mensah, the suspect, allegedly killed his 18-year-old son, Kofi Mensah, after being extremely disappointed with his son's test results.

According to neighbors in Obuasi, tensions between Kwame and Kofi had risen following the release of the WASSCE results.

Kwame had great expectations for his son's academic performance and had spent heavily in his education.

Witnesses reported hearing loud disagreements from the Mensah household in the days before the tragedy.

On the evening of January 10, 2025, the situation took a tragic turn. Neighbors reported hearing a heated disagreement between father and son, followed by a loud noise like a gunshot.

They hurried to the Mensah residence, where they saw Kofi unconscious on the floor. Kwame was apparently standing nearby with a shotgun.

The local police were notified promptly and arrived on the scene shortly after. Kofi was pronounced dead when they arrived, and Kwame was apprehended without struggle.

The shotgun, thought to be the murder weapon, was taken as evidence.

During preliminary questioning, Kwame allegedly admitted to the crime, stating,

"I couldn't bear the shame my son brought upon this family with his failure."

He apologized, but stated that his actions were motivated by frustration and resentment over his son's academic performance.

The Obuasi community is shocked by the occurrence. A neighbor, Ama Serwaa, commented:

"We knew Kwame was strict with Kofi about his schoolwork, but we never expected it to come to this. It is heartbreaking.

Local authorities have advised locals to remain calm while investigations continue.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) expressed significant concern about the occurrence. In a statement, the GES stressed the value of parental support and understanding, particularly when children confront academic obstacles.

"Resorting to violence is never the solution. "We encourage parents to seek counseling and guidance to help them manage such situations," the statement read.

Kwame Mensah is now detained at the Obuasi Police Station and is expected to be charged with murder. If convicted, he may face a significant prison sentence.