Karen Baaba Sam, a young Ghanaian woman, has shared a chilling account of years of abuse by her ex-partner, Nana Kwadwo Adjei.
Her story unveils a grim reality of domestic violence and the shortcomings of the justice system, sparking critical questions about the protection of women and children in Ghana.
Karen met Nana Adjei in 2016, initially perceiving him as a protector. Their relationship seemed promising, with marriage on the horizon. By 2018, Karen was pregnant with their daughter, Ohemaa, and the couple appeared overjoyed. However, everything changed when Nana’s controlling and abusive tendencies began to surface.
In December 2018, Nana returned home drunk, becoming enraged when Karen questioned his whereabouts. He physically assaulted her, kicking her stomach despite her pregnancy. This marked the start of years of abuse that left this woman with visible injuries and emotional scars.
Karen detailed how Nana’s behavior worsened over time, with incidents of physical violence, verbal abuse, and public humiliation. Despite promises to change, he continued to dominate and harm her.
By 2023, Karen decided to end the relationship. Nana responded with threats, demanding the return of items he had gifted her and even attempting to evict her and their daughter. In February 2024, Karen moved into her own home, only to face a traumatic armed robbery on her first night.
Karen’s bitter custody battle
After their separation, Nana escalated his control by refusing to return their daughter following a visit. Baaba’s swift actions and complaints to authorities prevented Nana from leaving the country with the child. However, despite an initial court order granting her custody, a lower court later ruled in Nana’s favor, citing the child’s adjustment to living with her father.
She accused Nana of neglecting their daughter’s well-being, leaving her care to a 16-year-old and causing her to lose weight. She expressed frustration with the justice system, which she believes favors her ex-partner due to his influence and wealth.
The woman recounted how Nana resorted to threats, blackmail, and media campaigns to tarnish her reputation. He allegedly accessed her private information through contacts in law enforcement and telecommunications.
Matters worsened when Nana, armed with a court order, raided Karen’s home with armed men, harassing her family and declaring her wanted.
For seven years, Karen has endured unimaginable abuse. Despite reaching out to authorities, she feels the justice system remains skewed in favour of her influential ex-partner.
“I left the relationship to create a safe, happy space for my daughter, but our lives remain in danger.”
“I refuse to be silenced. I will continue to fight for my daughter and ensure she grows up in a safe and loving environment,” she said.
Karen’s courageous decision to speak out highlights the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable women and children in Ghana.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com