Wa: Tricycle rider jailed 14 years for defiling 3-year-old girl

‎A 29-year-old tricycle rider has been sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a three-year-old girl at Tiegber in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region.
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‎The convict, Naah Mashood, was found guilty after trial at the Wa High Court and sentenced on October 30, 2026, by Justice Osei-Wusu.
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‎In a statement signed by the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yirihoare, the Regional Police Command said Mashood was arrested on February 24, 2026, by officers of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) following a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother.
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‎According to the police, the convict had been engaged by the victim’s parent to transport the child to and from school.
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‎However, on February 23, 2026, he allegedly lured the girl to an isolated location and sexually assaulted her inside his tricycle, locally known as a “Cambuu”.
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‎Following investigations, Mashood was first arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court before the case was subsequently transferred to the High Court for trial.
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‎The court found him guilty of defilement and sentenced him to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
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‎The Regional Police Command commended the officers who handled the investigation and prosecution, as well as other individuals whose contributions helped secure the conviction.
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‎It also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to protect children from abuse.
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‎The public was further encouraged to report suspected cases of child abuse and defilement to the nearest police station or DOVVSU office for prompt investigation.
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‎The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice.