The Tesano Divisional Police Command has secured a 20-year prison sentence with hard labour for an 87-year-old man convicted of defiling a nine-year-old girl at Ofankor, a suburb of Accra.
Preliminary investigations indicate that on 29 August 2026, the complainant returned from work and noticed bloodstains on the clothing of her nine-year-old daughter. Upon questioning the child, she disclosed that the accused person, Yaw Gahornu, had allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual abuse between July and August 2026, involving both vaginal and anal penetration.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the child to his sleeping quarters and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the alleged abuse to her mother.
On 31 August 2026, the alleged abuse was reportedly witnessed by the accused’s granddaughter, who subsequently informed family members, including the complainant, and the matter was reported to the Police.
The accused person, Yaw Gahornu, was charged and arraigned before the Gender-Based Violence Court at the DOVVSU Headquarters, where he was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for the offence of defilement.
The Accra Regional Police Command welcomes the outcome of the case and reiterates its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons. The Command urges the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the Police for investigation and appropriate action.
The statement was signed by Ms Juliana Obeng, Chief Superintendent and Head of Public Affairs, Accra Region.
