A morning broadcast, a viral video, and a social welfare system that failed

A video showing a woman, identified as 32-year-old Harriet Amuzu, being abused has circulated widely, prompting concerns about domestic violence and police response in Ghana. The video depicts Amuzu kneeling and being beaten by a man, presumed to be her estranged husband, who allegedly lured her back under false pretenses regarding their child’s health. The incident occurred after she had reported multiple instances of domestic abuse to the police, who took no action at the time.

Following the public release of the video, the husband was arrested by police. Additionally, his siblings, aware of the abuse, reportedly attacked the tenant who recorded and shared the incident. This response has raised questions about the role of community members in domestic violence situations.

Despite Amuzu’s previous attempts to seek help from law enforcement, resources for domestic violence survivors in Ghana are reportedly limited. The Domestic Violence Fund saw an 87.66% cut in the 2025 national budget, reflecting broader issues within social welfare systems in the country.

The implications of these events highlight the urgent need for reform in Ghana’s domestic violence response systems. Enhanced funding, improved police training, and community awareness are critical for meaningful change.

• Why it matters: The case underscores systemic failures in protecting victims of domestic abuse, affecting public trust in law enforcement and social welfare.
• The latest: The husband has been taken into custody following the viral video, and authorities have also arrested his siblings for their attack on the tenant.