87-year-old jailed 20 years with hard labour for defiling 9-year-old girl at Ofankor

The Ghana Police Service 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 in Accra.

The convict, identified as Yaw Gahornu, was sentenced by the Gender-Based Violence Court at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) Headquarters after being found guilty of the offence.

In a dated Monday, October 12, 2026, the Accra Regional Police Command said the case was reported on August 29, 2026, after the child’s mother returned from work and noticed bloodstains on her daughter’s clothing.

The statement said, “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.”

Police investigations further indicated that Gahornu allegedly lured the child to his sleeping quarters and threatened to kill her if she told her mother about the abuse.

The statement added that the alleged abuse was witnessed by the accused’s granddaughter on August 31, 2026. She subsequently informed family members, including the complainant, prompting a report to the police.

Following investigations, Gahornu was charged and arraigned before the Gender-Based Violence Court at the DOVVSU Headquarters. He was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Welcoming the outcome, the Accra Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons.

“The Accra Regional Police Command welcomes the outcome of the case and reiterates its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons,” the statement said.

The Command also urged the public to report suspected cases of child abuse promptly, adding: “The Command urges the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the Police for investigation and appropriate action.”