Jilted lover torches ex-boyfriend's properties, granted GH¢30,000 bail

A 36-year-old trader, Ruth Arthur—also known as Amina—has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢30,000 with two sureties by the Enchi District Magistrate Court after being accused of unlawfully entering her ex-lover’s home, causing extensive damage, and stealing cash.

Arthur admitted to the charges of unlawful entry, causing damage, and theft, but offered an explanation during proceedings presided over by Magistrate Lawrence Buanor-Buer. After hearing her account, the court reversed its initial stance and granted her bail.

According to the prosecution, led by General Sergeant Stephen Offei Asante, the complainant, David Anni, popularly known as Nana Atopah, is an Okada rider residing in Amonie in the Aowin Municipality. Ruth, who also lives in the area, was formerly in a romantic relationship with Anni. Their two-year relationship reportedly ended after the death of their infant child and subsequent disapproval from Ruth’s family.

On the morning of March 3, 2025, while Anni was attending a wedding in Nyameah, he received a distress call from a friend who informed him that Ruth had allegedly broken into his residence and set his belongings on fire.

Rushing back home, Anni found signs of forced entry and discovered that GH¢22,000 he had kept in the room was missing. In addition to the stolen cash, several household items had been vandalized, including a 32-inch Hisense TV, Sony speakers, a Binatone fan, a master decoder, and a mattress. Kitchen items and a drum container were also reportedly damaged, bringing the estimated cost of destruction to GH¢27,019.

Police visited the scene and confirmed evidence of fire damage. During interrogation, Ruth reportedly confessed and was subsequently charged.

She is expected to reappear in court as investigations continue.