BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The already contentious divorce battle between Ghanaian businessman Richard Nii-Armah Quaye (RNAQ) and his former wife, Joana Quaye, has taken a more serious turn, with fresh allegations of abuse now formally placed before the Ghana Police Service.
In a move that escalates the dispute beyond the courtroom, Joana Quaye, through her lawyers, has petitioned the police to fast-track investigations into claims of physical and emotional abuse she says she endured during the marriage.
From Divorce Court To Criminal Allegations
The latest development follows the widely debated ruling delivered by the Accra High Court on January 20, 2026, which officially dissolved the couple’s 16-year marriage.
The court awarded Joana Quaye a GH₵300,000 lump sum, a one-third share of their Dansoman residence, two vehicles, and GH₵5,000 monthly for the upkeep of their three children.
The decision, which fell significantly short of her GH₵50 million claim, has already been challenged on appeal. However, the new petition signals a shift from financial disputes to allegations of long-term abuse.
According to her legal representatives, Joana had earlier filed a formal complaint with the police on December 9, 2025, citing persistent abuse spanning more than a decade.
The recent petition, dated April 14, 2026, expresses concern over what her lawyers describe as delays in the investigative process.
Details of the Allegations
In the petition, Joana Quaye alleges that she suffered both physical and emotional abuse throughout the marriage, including instances of coercion and intimidation.
One of the claims highlighted involves an alleged attempt by RNAQ to forcibly break into a bedroom at their Dansoman home.
Her lawyers state that these incidents were not only reported to authorities but also documented and presented during the divorce proceedings as part of her case.
The complaint is currently being handled by the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, which is responsible for addressing cases involving domestic abuse and related offences.
Push for Urgent Police Action
Joana Quaye’s legal team is now urging authorities to expedite the investigation to ensure timely justice. In a bid to increase oversight and urgency, copies of the petition have also been forwarded to the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection.
The lawyers argue that the seriousness of the allegations and the length of time involved warrant immediate attention, particularly given the potential implications for victim protection and accountability.
A Case Under Intense Public Scrutiny
The RNAQ divorce saga has remained in the public spotlight, not only because of the legal issues involved but also due to the businessman’s high-profile lifestyle.
Known for his displays of wealth, RNAQ recently drew attention after being seen driving a $4 million Bugatti Chiron shortly after the court ruling—an image that fueled debate online about the fairness of the divorce settlement.
The contrast between the court-awarded financial terms and RNAQ’s perceived wealth has continued to generate mixed reactions across social and mainstream media.
