Somanya: A 47-year-old lotto writer, identified as Joseph Abofu, has been remanded into prison custody following the death of a 50-year-old woman, Martha BediSika, after a violent altercation at a drinking spot in Somanya.
According to Ghana News Agency, the incident happened on the night of Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., at a drinking spot situated at SRA along the Accra-Somanya road. A police source reported that a dispute escalated between the two individuals, during which Joseph Abofu stabbed Martha BediSika with a jack-knife on the left side of her ribs, near her breast.
The source further explained to GNA that during an attempt by the suspect to stab her a second time, the victim defended herself by striking him on the head with a wooden object she found nearby. With the help of her 12-year-old son, she managed to escape and took refuge in a nearby house.
The house's occupants assisted her and quickly transported her to Atua Government Hospital. Due to the critical nature of her injuries, she was subsequently referred to Koforidua Regional Hospital for advanced treatment. Meanwhile, the suspect presented himself at the Somanya Police Station in Okperpiem, claiming to have sustained head injuries during the conflict.
Shortly thereafter, the victim's twin sister filed a complaint on her behalf, and both parties received medical forms for treatment. Police visited the victim at the hospital the following day, July 17, to document her statement.
On July 18, the suspect provided his medical report, which confirmed head injuries that had been stitched. He was then arrested, examined at the Somanya Polyclinic, and released on police enquiry bail while investigations were ongoing. However, on Saturday, July 19, around 7:00 p.m., the victim's sister informed the police that Martha Bedi Sika had died. Following this development, Joseph Abofu was re-arrested, cautioned, and detained for further investigation.
On Monday, July 28, 2025, Joseph Abofu appeared before the Somanya Magistrate Court on a murder charge, contrary to Section 46 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Justice Kwesi Appiatse Abaidoo, presiding over the Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court, ordered his remand into prison custody. He is scheduled to reappear in court on September 22, 2025, pending advice from the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
The tragic death of Martha BediSika has elicited outrage and sorrow among Somanya residents, especially within the Sra community, where the victim was a recognized trader and community member.
