Kumasi-based beautician allegedly beaten to death by businessman boyfriend

Police in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region have arrested a 48-year-old businessman in connection with the alleged killing of his girlfriend in what investigators believe to be a case of domestic violence.

The suspect, Francis Arthur, is accused of beating his girlfriend, Sally Benson, to death following a misunderstanding at Ayigya-Maxima, a suburb of Kumasi. The tragic incident is reported to have occurred on April 14, 2026.

According to police accounts, the deceased, who was accompanied by a female friend, visited the suspect’s residence after receiving information that another woman had allegedly been there. Upon their arrival, the suspect was not at home, and the two reportedly waited for his return.

Police spokesperson Samuel Agyare indicated that when Arthur eventually returned, he was confronted by Benson, leading to a heated argument. It was during this confrontation that the suspect allegedly launched a physical assault on her, repeatedly beating her.

The victim is said to have collapsed during the assault. Reports indicate that Arthur subsequently transported her in her own vehicle to the KNUST Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced her dead on arrival.

Arthur was later arraigned before the Asokore Mampong District Court, presided over by Hilda Esther Wryter. During his first court appearance on Tuesday, he was remanded into custody and is expected to reappear on May 8, 2026. Family members of the deceased were present in court as proceedings unfolded.

The death of Sally Benson has sent shockwaves through the community. She was widely known in Kumasi as the owner of Sally’s Cosmetics Studio and African’s Special pub located in the Asokwa area. Friends, family, and clients have expressed disbelief and sorrow over her sudden and violent death.

Her father, Gabriel Oppong, speaking in grief, recounted the circumstances leading to his daughter’s death based on information provided by her friend. He explained that Benson had gone to confront the suspect after hearing about another woman’s presence at his residence, which ultimately led to the fatal confrontation.

According to him, the argument escalated quickly into violence, during which his daughter was allegedly beaten until she collapsed. Attempts were reportedly made to revive her by pouring water on her before she was rushed to the hospital, where she was declared dead.

Apostle Oppong called for justice, emphasizing the need for the legal system to deal firmly with the matter. He expressed anguish over the loss, noting that his daughter was his only child following the death of her mother. He urged authorities to ensure that the laws of Ghana are applied to deliver justice for his family.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital mortuary, where it is being preserved pending autopsy and further investigations.

Police say investigations into the incident are ongoing as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.