Ghanaian Court Jails 87-Year-Old Man for 20 Years Over Abuse of Nine-Year-Old Girl

An 87-year-old man, identified as Yaw Gahornu, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labour after being convicted of sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl in Ofankor, a suburb of Accra, Ghana.

The conviction followed investigations by the Tesano Divisional Police Command, according to the Accra Regional Police Command.

How the Case Came to Light

According to the police, the case came to light on August 29, 2026, when the child’s mother returned from work and noticed unusual stains on her daughter’s clothing.

After speaking with the child, the mother learned that the man had repeatedly abused her between July and August.

Police investigations also found that the accused had threatened the child to prevent her from reporting the abuse.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to his arrest and prosecution.

Court Delivers 20-Year Sentence

Gahornu was arraigned before the Gender-Based Violence Court at the headquarters of Ghana’s Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).

The court found him guilty of defilement and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The Accra Regional Police Command welcomed the conviction, describing it as part of its efforts to protect children and other vulnerable people.

The police also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse promptly so that appropriate investigations and legal action can follow.

Monafrika’s Take

The conviction highlights the importance of protecting children and holding perpetrators of abuse accountable under the law.

Children must be able to grow up in safe environments, free from threats, exploitation and abuse. Families, schools, communities and public institutions all have a role to play in protecting them.

The case also underlines the importance of listening to children, taking disclosures seriously and reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Protecting children requires more than punishment after an offence. It requires vigilance, public awareness and strong systems that help prevent abuse and support affected children.