The Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court has sentenced two men to 15 years’ imprisonment each for defiling a 13-year-old girl at Akuse in the Eastern Region.
The convicts, Benjamin Awuku, 46, a labourer and uncle of the victim, and Bismark Zinu, also known as Bodor, 24, were found guilty under Section 101 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which criminalises defilement of a child under 16 years.
According to Prosecutor Chief Inspector John Brahene, the victim, a class six pupil of Amedeka M/A Basic School, lived with the accused persons and her mother in Amedeka, a suburb of Akuse.
On 8 August 2025, a child protection officer with the New Anointing Child Development Centre, Delight Princess Arthur, invited the girl and her mother for questioning after receiving reports that the teenager was involved with an older man.
During the interview, the girl disclosed that Awuku had been sexually abusing her for about two years and identified Zinu and another man, known only as Etornam, as additional perpetrators. Etornam is currently at large.
She revealed that Awuku last had intercourse with her on the morning of 8 August. A complaint was lodged and the girl was taken to hospital, where a medical examination confirmed the abuse.
Police arrested Awuku and Zinu on 10 August. Awuku admitted to both anal and vaginal intercourse with the victim, while Zinu confessed to anal intercourse and an attempted vaginal act.
The court convicted both men and sentenced them to 15 years in prison each.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to apprehend the third suspect, Etornam.
Public Education
Defilement is a serious criminal offence in Ghana. The law defines it as sexual intercourse with a child under 16 years, regardless of consent. Offenders face a minimum of seven years’ imprisonment.
The sentence in this case is intended not only to punish the offenders but also to serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to exploit children.
Parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious behaviour, and work with child protection officers and the police to safeguard minors from abuse.
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