How GH¢1,500 payment dispute led to murder of Dr Jesse Amuah, wife — Court hearing

On 23 March 2026, Dr Jesse Amuah, aged 80, and his wife Elizabeth Esi Amuah, 64, were discovered murdered at their residence in Asylum Down, Accra. The Adabraka District Court has now remanded a 32-year-old security guard, Abraham Newton Awundok, into custody on two counts of murder. Prosecutors allege that Awundok killed the elderly couple following a dispute over a GH¢1,500 payment dispute.

Awundok, who was employed by a private security firm near the couple's home, began assisting the Amuahs with household chores for pay in January 2026. On the day of the murders, a heated argument erupted between Awundok and Mrs Amuah over a payment dispute. He demanded the full sum of GH¢1,500 after she had provided items of lesser value, including toothpaste and deodorant, instead of the agreed amount.

Amidst the escalating tension, Awundok allegedly insulted Mrs Amuah, saying her "bad character" deterred potential employers.

Following the argument, Awundok returned to the house later that day and reportedly struck Mrs Amuah repeatedly with a pestle on the head. Her screams alerted Dr Amuah, who was also assaulted by Awundok with a kitchen knife, a pestle, and a piece of cement concrete. Both victims were left unconscious and eventually succumbed to their severe head injuries. The pair's bodies were subsequently concealed in a septic tank at the couple's residence and wrapped in curtains and clothing before being dumped.

Awundok fled the scene shortly after the murders, along with their phones, cash, and other valuables. He was eventually arrested and deported back to Ghana in August, where he confessed to the killings during interrogation. It was revealed that he acted out of anger, fueled by insults from Mrs Amuah. The court has not yet received his plea, and the trial has been postponed to 21 September 2026.