A 38-year-old soldier, Richmond Kweku Lutterodt, has been handed a 1.5-year prison term by the Gender-Based Violence Court for physically attacking his wife following a message she relayed about a recruitment issue.
Lutterodt’s wife, whose identity remains undisclosed, informed him that Francis Atasi had visited their home to urge him to expedite Atasi’s recruitment into the Ghana Armed Forces. This news reportedly triggered the assault.
Initially pleading not guilty at the Police headquarters, Lutterodt was found guilty after proceedings overseen by Judge Dora Inkumsah Eshun. In addition to imprisonment, he was ordered to pay a GH¢5,400 fine, with a default clause of six months’ imprisonment if unpaid. Furthermore, he must cover his wife’s medical expenses amounting to GH¢6,464, verified through court receipts, and compensate her with GH¢6,000.
Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei led the prosecution, identifying the complainant as a 40-year-old musician residing in Kasoa, while Lutterodt resided at Teshie Camp Barracks. According to Aniagyei, despite their six-year marriage without children, Lutterodt had a history of unprovoked physical abuse towards his wife.
In September 2021, the incident unfolded when the wife relayed Atasi’s message, prompting Lutterodt’s violent reaction and subsequent eviction of her belongings into a kiosk within their home.
Following her report to Military Police, the case was referred to the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Accra. Medical attention was advised, and upon submission of medical documentation, Lutterodt was apprehended.
