In a recent episode of the Mayhem podcast, host John-Andrew Addo delved into the story of The Takoradi girls that shook the nation and left questions unanswered. This episode delves into the quiet streets of Takoradi, a coastal city nestled on the shores of Ghana’s western region.
As the host navigates the events surrounding the abduction and murder of the Takoradi girls, the audience is drawn into a narrative that transcends mere headlines, this story has left families torn apart and has led to bigger questions on the justice system in Ghana.
The series of chilling events began in 2018 when two young girls were kidnapped within just three days. The first incident occurred on August 15th, when a 16-year-old Senior High School (SHS) school student vanished without a trace while on her way to register her mobile SIM card.
Two days later, another young lady, aged 21, fell victim to the same fate.
Tragically, these disappearances were not isolated occurrences. Later on, four other young girls vanished under similar circumstances leaving families in despair. Ruth Abakah, last seen on July 29th at Diabena Methodist Church, was just 19 years old. Priscilla Blessing Bentum, captured at Kansawurodo on August 17th, was 21 years old. Ruth Love Quayeson, abducted on December 4th at Butumagyebu junction, was only 18 years old. Lastly, Priscilla Mantseabea Koranchie, taken on December 21st at Nkroful Junction, was 15 years old.
Following the abduction report, the family of the victim made their way to the Takoradi Central Police Station, seeking assistance in their ordeal. As the days unfolded, the kidnappers’ demands became increasingly dire. On December 5th, the family reluctantly made their first payment of GH¢100 for their loved one’s sustenance, as instructed by the kidnappers through the victim’s phone. Despite the police’s recommendation to negotiate a lower amount, the kidnappers insisted on the full sum, citing insufficient funds for the victim’s care.
In a desperate bid for assistance, the family turned to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) on December 7th, seeking support in their efforts to secure their loved one’s safe return. Police CID Boss, DCOP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, visited the families on Saturday, January 26, offering support and reassurance during this trying time. Following her visit, the Minister of Gender, Women, and Children Protection, Cynthia Morrison, extended her presence to the families on January 27 as well.
However, some progress was made when Samuel Udoetuk Wills, a Nigerian national, found himself at the center of the Takoradi girls’ abduction case. Arrested in connection with the disappearance of the girls, Wills faced charges related to the kidnapping and subsequent events surrounding their vanishing. His arrest, escape from custody on December 30, and subsequent recapture intensified the scrutiny on him as a prime suspect in the investigation.
In subsequent legal proceedings, the suspect implicated in the case appeared before the Takoradi District Court on January 9. He faced charges of escaping lawful custody, resisting arrest, and damaging public property, to which he pleaded not guilty. The court remanded him in custody pending further hearings, with a subsequent appearance scheduled for January 16 to address the same charges.
At this point, the case had gained notoriety in Ghana as #BringBackOurGirls became the trending hashtag and topic of the day.
On February 11, suspect Samuel Udeotuk Wills disclosed during his trial for escaping from his cell that a CID Officer and a person named Kwesi had assisted in his escape. In response, the Western Region Police Command initiated an investigation into the suspect’s escape. However, the findings of this investigation were never made public.
On April 2, CID boss Tiwaa Addo-Danquah attempted to reassure the families by asserting that the police knew the whereabouts of the kidnapped girls. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, she affirmed the commitment of law enforcement to locate and rescue the missing girls, saying “We know where the girls are” emphasizing the ongoing efforts to ensure their safe return to their families.
Amidst these mounting pressures, a breakthrough occurred on August 2nd when the police made a grim discovery, retrieving human remains from a septic tank located behind the residence where the prime suspect, Samuel Udotek Wills, had been living. However, the revelations continued as on August 6th, authorities recovered a fourth set of skeletal remains from a well situated in an uncompleted building where the prime suspect was subsequently re-arrested.
As the nation awaited answers in the Takoradi kidnapping case, a pivotal moment arrived on September 16th when the Acting Inspector General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh, convened a press conference to deliver an announcement confirming that the remains belonged to the missing girls.
“Justice” prevailed as the Sekondi High Court delivered its verdict, sentencing both accused individuals to death for their roles in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of the four Takoradi girls. However, after five years, the family’s plea for a DNA test on the purported remains of the girls was never granted and they have been unable to provide their beloved daughters with a proper burial and a final resting place.
In the next episode, the families involved in the Takoradi tragedy speak with the host. They share their side of the story and all they’ve been through. This candid discussion offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from those most impacted by the events, providing insight into their journey of grief, resilience, and the quest for justice.
Mayhem is a crime podcast under the 3Xtra brand by MG Digital, that unravels intriguing criminal stories of Ghana, uncovering mysteries and sharing real-life experiences.
New episodes are out every two weeks and are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts with the RSS Feed.