Man who defiled 12-year-old girl in Hohoe gets seven-year sentence

A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for defiling a 12-year-old girl in Hohoe in the Volta Region.

The Volta North Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service announced the conviction in a press release issued on April 24, 2026, and signed by Public Relations Officer Felix Kwao.

According to the statement, “the Volta North Regional Police Command has secured the conviction of Felix Agbodzi, aged 23, for defilement of a 12-year-old girl at Gbi-Akplamafu in the Volta Region.”

Police explained that “preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect lured the victim to his residence where he subjected her to sexual abuse,” highlighting how the incident unfolded.

The statement further indicated that the suspect was arrested on April 13, 2026, and put before the Hohoe Circuit Court a day later.

The court, presided over by Lambert Yiringabaque Kariba, heard the case and delivered judgment after the accused admitted to the offence.

“He pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to seven (7) years imprisonment,” the release noted, citing Section 101(2) of the Criminal Offences Act, 196.

Police also used the statement to call for public cooperation in tackling similar crimes.

“The Volta North Regional Police Command urges the members of the public not to hesitate in reporting defilement and related criminal offences,” the statement said.

It added that persons who engage in such acts “will face the full rigours of the law,” stressing the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, particularly children.

The conviction, according to police, reflects sustained efforts to ensure justice for victims of abuse and to deter potential offenders.

Authorities maintain that timely reporting and community vigilance remain critical in addressing defilement and related offenses.