Two men jailed for 15 years for robbing, raping a 19-year-old hairdresser

Two men have each been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour after being found guilty of robbing and sexually assaulting a 19-year-old hairdresser along the Apollonia–Afienya road in the Tema Region.

It occurred on September 27, 2025, and has since drawn widespread condemnation from the public.

According to a statement released by the Tema Regional Police Command on Tuesday, October 7, one of the convicts, identified as Nicholas Tetteh, was initially hired by the victim as a motor rider to transport her to Afienya. However, during the journey, Tetteh allegedly conspired with Joseph Tetteh and another accomplice to attack and rob the young woman.

Police investigations revealed that the unsuspecting victim was dragged into a nearby bush, where she was sexually assaulted by two of the suspects. The attackers also took away her iPhone XR and a handbag containing GHS 150 before abandoning her at the scene. Traumatized by the ordeal, the victim managed to report the incident to the Zenu–Atadeka District Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).

At DOVVSU, she was given immediate medical attention and provided a detailed statement to assist investigators. Acting swiftly on intelligence, police tracked down and arrested the two main suspects, who were later charged with robbery and rape.

The case was subsequently brought before the Gbetsile Circuit Court, presided over by Her Ladyship Eleanor Kakra Barns Botchway. After a full hearing, both Nicholas and Joseph Tetteh pleaded guilty to the robbery charge. The court then handed them 15 years each in prison with hard labour for their roles in the attack.

The Tema Regional Police further disclosed that proceedings on the rape charge are still pending and will commence once the Attorney-General’s Office provides its legal advice. The third accomplice, who remains on the run, is currently being pursued by police.

ASP Dede Dzakpasu, Head of Public Affairs for the Tema Regional Police Command, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and all survivors of sexual and violent crimes. She added that the command will continue to strengthen security operations across the region to deter similar attacks and safeguard residents.

She urged the public, particularly women and young girls, to remain cautious when using commercial motorbikes and to promptly report any suspicious behaviour to law enforcement authorities.

The Tema Regional Police assured that the two convicts will serve their full sentences while investigations continue to bring their fugitive accomplice to justice.