JB Danquah-Adu’s widow accuses husband’s brothers of “abandoning” his children

The widow of the late JB Danquah-Adu has publicly expressed gratitude to a cousin of her late husband, Lord Paul Yaw Boateng, and his wife, Lady Janet Boateng, for their unwavering support for her children.

Ivy Heward-Mills has however criticised the late lawmaker’s brothers for abandoning the family.

“Truest exemplars”

In an emotional social media post, she described Lord Boateng — a member of the UK House of Lords — and his wife as the “truest exemplars of Christianity” who have been “literally [her] children’s only paternal family standing.”

“I could write 10,000 books full of gratitude notes to this couple and still have more to thank them for,” she wrote.

“Every man needs an ‘Uncle Paul’ in his life. He has been a father to my children… this extremely busy man makes his home, his time, and his resources available to the girls and extends it to me,” she added.

Accusations

Her message also took a direct swipe at her husband’s brothers, whom she accused of abandoning their family after JB Danquah-Adu’s death.

“Sometimes, your truest brother is your cousin,” she emphasized, adding, “JB knew that Uncle Paul and his family would always be there for him and his family, but I bet they’ve exceeded his expectations and wildest imagination!”

Reflecting on her situation, she urged other men to consider who “would be there for my children should I drop dead today?”

“If you are able to identify an ‘Uncle Paul,’ count yourself blessed,” she stated.

Background

The late Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu was killed in his home at Shiashie, Accra, on 9 February 2016. Two persons, Daniel Asiedu and Vicent Bosso were arrested and charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

However, after nearly a nine-year trial, a seven-member jury on Wednesday, 4 December 2024, returned a 4 – 3 majority not guilty verdict

The seven-member jury split decision prompted the presiding judge, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, to discharge the jury in accordance with Section 285(4) of the Criminal and Other Offenses (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).

The court determined the verdict was inconclusive and insufficient for further action.

Despite the jury’s decision, Daniel Asiedu, the principal accused person, remains in custody as ordered by the trial judge awaiting his retrial with a new jury that is expected to be constituted. Daniel Asiedu’s lawyers have also filed a bail application on his behalf, which has yet to be moved to the high court.