An Accra High Court has charged Pearl Agbomadzi, a 20-year-old interior decorator, with the murder of 74-year-old British national John Scott Hughes in Ghana. According to the prosecution, Hughes invited Ms. Agbomadzi to meet him at American House before taking her to Philipo’s Movie House in East Legon, where they reportedly engaged in a consensual intimate encounter. During this time, Hughes allegedly became unconscious and collapsed, leading Ms. Agbomadzi to rush to the reception to seek help. Emergency responders transported Hughes to Legon Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The complainant in the case is Hughes’ wife, and Ms. Agbomadzi has been held in police custody pending further investigation. Her lawyer, John Baptist Ayedze, requested bail, which the prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorney Frederick Adu Gyamfi, did not oppose. Consequently, Presiding Judge Lydia Osei Marfo granted bail set at GHS100,000 with one surety.
Judge Marfo advised older men to exercise caution with their health, particularly in relationships with significantly younger women, noting the potential risks associated with age differences. This case has raised questions around health considerations and age in relationships as the trial proceeds.