Police hunt father after 8-year-old dies following alleged assault in Dzodze

The Ketu North District Police Command has opened a probe into the mysterious death of an eight-year-old girl, suspected to have been assaulted by her father at Dzodze-Fiagbedu in the Volta Region.

The child, Ivy Gbemu, a Class Two pupil of Dzodze Demonstration School, reportedly fell ill on September 25, 2025, and was given medication at home. However, accounts from relatives and preliminary police findings suggest she was subjected to severe beatings by her father, Thomas Gbemu, on September 26. Ivy is said to have died the following afternoon.

When officers led by District Crime Officer ASP Emmanuel Habada visited the family home after an informant raised alarm, the suspect was nowhere to be found. A search of the room where the girl passed away uncovered medicines including Efpac Junior Syrup, Antipa Ladique Tablets, and Wonderful No. 1 Ointment, which have been kept as evidence.

At St. Anthony’s Hospital, Dr. Samuel Owusu, who examined the body, confirmed visible assault marks on both of the child’s arms. The body remains at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.

Police say the father is currently on the run, but efforts are underway to track him down.

ASP Habada assured that the case is under active investigation and urged community members with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to assist law enforcement.