Jeff Apraku, a 24-year-old trader from Assin Akonfudi in the Assin North District of the Central Region, is currently facing charges at the Assin Fosu District Court for allegedly raping and transmitting HIV to a senior high school student.
The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Gilbert Abangna Anyongo, explained to the court presided over by His Worship Abdul Majid Iliasu that the accused, Apraku knowingly engaged in unprotected sex with the victim despite being aware of his HIV-positive status since 2022.
The incident unfolded on September 21, 2024, when Apraku approached the victim at her mother’s provision shop and obtained her contact information.
He later proposed to her over the phone, but she declined. Undeterred, Apraku visited the victim’s house the following day, convinced her to enter his room, switched off the light, and then forcibly had unprotected sex with her without disclosing his HIV status.
After the incident, the victim confided in her mother, who sought the help of a community prophetess to encourage the victim to report the crime.
The police subsequently arrested Apraku and conducted an investigation, revealing his HIV-positive status and history of taking antiretroviral drugs.
According to Chief Inspector Anyongo, the Key findings from the police investigation include that Apraku tested positive for HIV in 2022 and began treatment on June 27, 2024. His last visit to the healthcare facility was on August 30, 2024. Apraku now faces charges of rape and transmitting HIV to the victim.
Following an initial two-week remand, the court has granted Jeff Apraku bail in the amount of Gh¢50,000.00, contingent upon the provision of two credible sureties. The case will resume on November 22, 2024, for further proceedings.
