Ex-wife petitions police over alleged abuse by businessman Richard Nii Armah Quaye

The estranged wife of Ghanaian businessman Richard Nii Armah Quaye has formally petitioned the Ghana Police Service over alleged years of assault and physical abuse, raising fresh concerns about the handling of domestic violence cases in the country.

In a letter dated 14 April 2026, lawyers for Joana Quaye, led by Godfred Yeboah Dame of Dame & Partners, said their client had endured “persistent abuse and violence” throughout the marriage, which lasted over a decade before its dissolution in January 2026.

According to the petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Ms Quaye alleges that the abuse included repeated instances of physical violence such as slapping, punching, kicking, and whipping with a belt, often triggered when she confronted her husband over alleged infidelity.

The lawyers further claim that some of the alleged incidents have been captured on video and are part of ongoing judicial proceedings relating to the couple’s divorce.

The petition also outlines more severe allegations, including claims that Mr. Quaye occasionally forced his estranged wife into sexual relations after returning from time spent with other partners, and subjected her to further violence when she resisted. It further alleges that financial support for the household was at times withheld.

Ms Quaye first lodged a formal complaint with the police on December 9, 2025. The case was subsequently referred to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service for investigation.

However, her legal team expressed concern over what they describe as delays and inaction by authorities. They cited a separate earlier complaint—reportedly involving an attempt by Mr. Quaye to forcibly break into her bedroom in Dansoman—which they say has remained unresolved for nearly three years.

“Our client is seriously concerned about the seeming apathy and lack of interest in complaints of violence lodged against Mr. Quaye,” the lawyers stated, urging the police to treat the matter with urgency.

They argue that the handling of the case has broader implications for public confidence in the criminal justice system, particularly for women seeking redress in domestic abuse cases.

The legal team is requesting confirmation of the current status of investigations and the steps being taken to ensure accountability under Ghanaian law.

The letter was also copied to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection.

As of now, the Ghana Police Service has not publicly commented on the allegations, and there has been no official response from Richard Nii Armah Quaye.

The case adds to ongoing national conversations around domestic violence, enforcement gaps, and survivor protection within Ghana’s justice system.