A Ghanaian mother who returned home from South Africa with her infant baby after fleeing xenophobic violence has reportedly been remanded into custody following her arrival at the Accra International Airport.
The woman, who joined other Ghanaian evacuees hoping to escape insecurity in South Africa, was allegedly arrested immediately after landing in Ghana over an outstanding bench warrant that had been issued in her absence.
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The development has sparked concern after private legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vormawor revealed that both the mother and her infant remain in custody following the court’s refusal to grant bail.
Mother Flees Xenophobic Violence But Lands In Jail
According to Barker-Vormawor, the woman had travelled to South Africa before a financial dispute back in Ghana escalated into a legal matter.
He explained that while she was outside the country, a complaint was lodged with the police, leading to the issuance of a bench warrant without her knowledge.
Upon her arrival on a government repatriation flight, immigration officials reportedly detained her at the airport before she was arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court.
Despite an application for bail by her legal team, the court denied the request, leaving both the mother and her infant in custody.
Lawyer Raises Concern Over Mother’s Situation
Sharing details of the case on social media, Barker-Vormawor disclosed that his law firm, Merton & Everett LLP, is representing the woman.
He wrote:
“Our Firm, Merton & Everett LLP, is representing a mother with an infant baby who was recently repatriated from South Africa.”
He continued:
“Apparently before she left for SA, she had a money dispute with someone who reported her to the Police. In her absence, a bench warrant was issued for her unknown to her.”
According to him, she was detained immediately after arriving at the airport and later presented before the Dansoman Circuit Court.
“Our application for bail for her was denied. Mother and infant baby remain in cells. I wonder how she must feel, being now back.”
Questions Raised Over Infant’s Welfare
The lawyer’s account has generated public concern over the welfare of the infant, although no official details have been provided regarding the child’s condition or arrangements for their care.
It also remains unclear whether the legal proceedings surrounding the financial dispute will continue in the coming days or whether another bail application will be filed. Barker-Vormawor didn’t disclose his next line of action.
The case has drawn attention because the woman had reportedly returned to Ghana seeking safety from xenophobic tensions in South Africa, only to face immediate detention upon her arrival.
Authorities have not yet publicly commented on the matter.
