The Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court has handed down 15-year prison sentences to two men found guilty of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl in Akuse, located in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
The offenders Benjamin Awuku, 46, a labourer and the victim’s uncle, and Bismark Zinu, 24, also a labourer were convicted under Section 101 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which addresses the defilement of children under sixteen.
According to Chief Inspector John Brahene, the case was brought forward by Grace Onyame, the girl’s mother, and Delight Princess Arthur, a child protection officer with the New Anointing Child Development Centre, a local NGO.
The victim, Charity Amenyo, a class six student at Amedeka M/A Basic School, resided in Amedeka with her mother and the accused. On August 8, 2025, Arthur summoned the girl and her mother after receiving reports of her involvement with an older man.
During the meeting, the girl revealed that Awuku had been sexually assaulting her for nearly two years. She also named Zinu and another man, Etornam—who remains at large—as additional abusers. She stated that Awuku last assaulted her on the morning of the same day.
Following the disclosure, a formal complaint was filed, and the girl underwent a medical examination. Police apprehended Awuku and Zinu on August 10. Awuku confessed to both anal and vaginal intercourse with the minor, while Zinu admitted to anal sex and an unsuccessful attempt at vaginal penetration.
A medical report issued on August 11 confirmed the abuse. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and arrest Etornam.
The court’s ruling aims to reinforce the protection of minors and serve as a strong warning against child sexual abuse.
Author: Jasmine Adjei
Development journalist
