An 87-year-old man, identified as Yaw Gahornu, has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after being found guilty of defiling a nine-year-old girl at Ofankor, a suburb of Accra.
The sentence was secured by the Tesano Divisional Police Command following investigations into the sexual abuse of the child, according to a press release issued by the Accra Regional Police Command on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The convict was prosecuted before the Gender-Based Violence Court at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) Headquarters, where he was found guilty of the offence of defilement.
According to the police, the case came to light on August 29, 2026, when the child’s mother returned from work and noticed bloodstains on her nine-year-old daughter’s clothing.
The mother reportedly questioned the child about the bloodstains, leading to a disclosure that Gahornu had allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual abuse between July and August 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the alleged abuse involved both vaginal and anal penetration.
The police further reported that the accused had allegedly lured the child to his sleeping quarters and threatened to kill her if she revealed the abuse to her mother.
Further details released by the police indicate that the alleged abuse was reportedly witnessed by the accused person’s granddaughter on August 31, 2026.
The granddaughter subsequently informed family members, including the child’s mother, after which the matter was reported to the police for investigation.
The police proceeded with investigations, leading to Gahornu’s prosecution before the Gender-Based Violence Court.
He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for defilement.
The Accra Regional Police Command has welcomed the outcome of the case, describing it as part of its efforts to protect children and other vulnerable persons.
The Command also urged members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the police to enable investigations and appropriate legal action.
The case highlights the importance of vigilance by parents, guardians, family members and community members in identifying and reporting suspected abuse involving children.
Child protection advocates consistently stress the importance of providing children with safe environments in which they can disclose abuse without fear of threats or intimidation.
The police have reiterated that suspected cases of child abuse should be reported promptly so that the appropriate authorities can intervene and take the necessary action.
By 1960news.com
