In a firm ruling aimed at deterring crimes against children, the Gender-Based Violence Court at the Police Headquarters has sentenced a 23-year-old fisherman, Joseph Armah, also known as Asaa, to eight years in prison for defiling a four-year-old girl at Chorkor in Accra.
The court, presided over by Her Honour Dora Eshun, convicted Armah on his own plea after he admitted to the charge of defilement. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei, detailed the horrifying incident that took place on November 29, 2024.
According to the prosecution, the complainant, a boxer residing at Lantemaamli-Chorkor, is the uncle of the victim. On the day of the incident, Armah spotted the little girl playing in his area and lured her with a GHC1 coin to buy biscuits. After she consumed the snack, he took advantage of her innocence, leading her to his room near the seashore, where he sexually assaulted her.
The case came to light when the victim returned home. Her mother noticed changes in her walking posture and questioned her. The child narrated her ordeal, prompting the mother to alert the complainant, who in turn reported the matter to the police at Mamprobi.
Following the report, a medical form was issued for the victim to receive treatment. Meanwhile, Armah fled to Apam, perhaps in an attempt to evade arrest. However, police investigations led to his arrest, and he was taken into custody. During interrogation, he provided a caution statement before being prosecuted.
Authorities continue to urge parents and guardians to be watchful of their children’s movements and interactions, emphasizing that protecting children from abuse is a shared responsibility between families, communities, and law enforcement agencies.
