In a case that has sparked debate and concern across West Africa, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) at the Airport Divisional Police Command in Accra has reportedly detained two nannies suspected of drugging a pair of twin toddlers under their care in the East Legon area. The incident, which has quickly gained attention in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, raises urgent questions about the safety and welfare of children entrusted to domestic caretakers—a common practice for many West African families balancing demanding work lives.
The nannies at the centre of this disturbing allegation, Francisca Boakye (30), a student nurse from Konongo in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, and Harriet Ansah (31) from Jasikan in the Oti Region, were reportedly arrested in September 2025. Their arrest came after the twins’ mother, a businesswoman aged 40, noticed suspicious changes in her children’s behaviour. According to Superintendent Juliana Obeng, who leads Public Affairs at the command, the mother filed a formal complaint that set the investigation in motion.
The mother recounted to authorities that her two-year-old sons had been unusually lethargic and displayed odd, worrying behaviours over several weeks. Deeply troubled by these symptoms, she grew suspicious and embarked on her own investigation within her home. It was then, according to police sources, that she discovered the nannies had allegedly been administering a sleep-inducing substance by mixing it into the twins’ milk—actions the authorities now believe caused the children’s unusual drowsiness.
According to statements given at a police press event, Superintendent Obeng explained that both suspects were questioned about the reason behind their actions. The suspects allegedly admitted that they administered the unidentified sleep aid to ensure the children slept for extended periods, allowing them uninterrupted time to complete household duties. This rationale, while shocking, points to a broader issue faced by many working households in West Africa—balancing domestic work demands with child supervision.
Further police investigations uncovered a troubling confession: Harriet Ansah reportedly admitted not only to drugging the twins at the suggestion of her colleague Boakye, but also to subjecting them to other forms of mistreatment. According to her confession, Ansah sometimes struck the children on the head with a hot object and insulted them with derogatory labels, even calling them names such as “chimpanzee.” These revelations have drawn widespread condemnation and have reignited public conversation across Ghana and Nigeria about the risks children face when left in the hands of caregivers.
According to police reports, both nannies had been employed by the complainant for approximately eight months. During a subsequent search of their quarters, law enforcement found two used sachets and four unopened sachets containing substances believed to be central to the alleged offences. These have been sent to forensic laboratories for further analysis, and toxicologists are expected to provide crucial evidence regarding the nature and potential danger of the substances involved.
Law enforcement authorities, as reported by various media outlets, have issued formal charges against both suspects, who are currently remanded in police custody. Hearings are expected to resume in court by 20 October 2025, where prosecutors will likely seek to establish a timeline and motive behind the alleged abuse. The investigation continues as police gather evidence, documenting statements from family members and other domestic workers who may have observed worrisome behaviour in the household.
In response to the public outcry, the Greater Accra Regional Police Command has described the alleged offences as both “inhumane and completely unacceptable.” Superintendent Obeng has called on all parents and guardians across West Africa, not just Ghana, to step up vigilance when it comes to monitoring domestic workers and caregivers—especially given the number of similar incidents reported across the region in recent years.
Wider West African Perspective: Rising Concerns Around Domestic Caregivers
This tragic case in Accra echoes concerns felt by many Nigerian and West African families who rely on nannies, house-helps, or domestic workers as an integral part of family life. In cities like Lagos, Abuja, Accra, and Abidjan, the demand for affordable childcare has grown rapidly, yet regulatory controls, background checks, and proper caregiver training often lag behind. According to a UNICEF report on child protection in West Africa, thousands of abuse cases involving domestic workers may go unreported annually due to cultural taboos, lack of resources, or fear of stigma.
Human rights advocates in Nigeria, such as Child Protection Network (CPN) and local chapters of Save the Children, continually urge parents to perform comprehensive background checks before hiring domestic staff. Experts, including Lagos-based family law practitioner Bukola Ojo, have emphasized the need for national policies mandating regular training and health screening for anyone employed in child supervision roles. “In Nigeria, unfortunately, there is little oversight outside of a few private agencies,” Ojo noted. “A clear, government-backed system for vetting and monitoring domestic caregivers is overdue.”
Why This Matters for Nigerian and African Households
With more families in bustling urban centers relying on nannies—sometimes from different cultural, linguistic, or religious backgrounds—the risks of neglect or abuse must be addressed. In many households, caregivers hold significant authority and spend substantial time alone with children. A study by the African Child Policy Forum found that children can be especially vulnerable to abuse when left unsupervised or when household pressures incentivize shortcuts.
Key factors often cited in West African cases include lack of training, inadequate pay, high caregiver workloads, and cultural misunderstandings. In this recent Ghanaian case, the alleged use of sleep-inducing substances points to a dangerous trend where nannies may take extreme measures to cope with overwhelming duties placed upon them. Nigerian child safety advocate Mrs. Funmilayo Adeniyi told local media: “Parents should not shy away from unannounced visits, monitoring cameras, or even frequent check-ins to ensure the safety of their children.”
Legal Ramifications and the Call for Reform
The current charges against the nannies in Accra serve as a critical legal test for regional authorities. Under Ghanaian law, acts endangering the welfare and health of a child can attract significant prison sentences. Similar statutes exist in Nigeria—under the Child Rights Act, custodial sentences and hefty fines may be imposed for abuse or neglect. Nonetheless, some legal experts have pointed to persistent challenges with case backlogs and enforcement, especially outside major cities.
Legal analyst Adewale James, writing for Nigeria’s “Guardian” newspaper, observed: “Enforcement is key. The deterrent effect of prosecuting these cases depends not just on conviction, but on swift justice and widespread publicity. If Nigerians see real consequences, perhaps more parents and authorities will demand safe, professional childcare standards.”
How Can Parents and Communities Respond?
In light of these developments, both officials and advocacy groups urge:
- Conducting thorough interviews and reference checks for any domestic hire;
- Establishing trial periods with regular supervision;
- Installing home monitoring systems where possible;
- Educating nannies and house-helps on children’s rights and non-violent caregiving practices;
- Reporting any suspicious activity to authorities and child protection hotlines.
Community awareness efforts, such as hosting neighbourhood safety seminars and creating support groups for parents, can also help mitigate risks and provide needed resources in busy urban centres.
Regional and Global Impact: What Next?
As this story unfolds in the Ghanaian legal system, many are watching to see if it marks a turning point for child protection policies—not just in Ghana, but across West Africa. Experts say meaningful progress will require cooperation between governments, NGOs, and communities to ensure every child’s safety is a top priority. The incident also renews calls for African nations to share data and best practices through regional organizations like ECOWAS to reduce cross-border risks associated with hiring caregivers.
Ultimately, safeguarding children in our homes is a collective responsibility: from legislation and law enforcement to everyday parental vigilance and community involvement.
How confident are you in the safety measures for domestic workers in your home or community? What extra steps do you think parents and guardians across West Africa should take to protect our children’s welfare? Share your opinion in the comments below and follow us for more updates on this story and other breaking news in the region.
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