Ejura butcher remanded in court over allegations of sexual abuse and assault of teenage apprentice

A 31-year-old butcher from Ejura in the Ashanti Region has been remanded in custody by the Nsuta Circuit Court following serious allegations of sexual abuse and assault against a teenage apprentice. The accused, Wadudu Gariba, also known locally as Akula, pleaded guilty to charges of unnatural carnal knowledge but denied a separate charge of unlawful assault during court proceedings.

The complainant, Eliasu Saliu, a 19-year-old, reportedly approached Gariba in August seeking temporary accommodation after expressing discomfort with living arrangements in an overcrowded family home. Saliu had been sharing a single room with his mother, three sisters and a niece—a situation that prompted him to seek alternative shelter. Gariba allegedly offered him a place to stay at his residence on Kotokoli Line in Ejura.

According to court records, the alleged abuse began on the first night of Saliu's stay and continued repeatedly throughout the month. The young man did not immediately report the incidents due to embarrassment and the stigma associated with such allegations. He eventually stopped staying at Gariba's residence after objections from Gariba's elder brother to the arrangement.

The escalation and assault

The situation allegedly escalated on August 28 when Gariba approached Saliu again with advances that were rejected. Following this refusal, Gariba reportedly gave Saliu a mobile phone and GH¢10 for airtime—actions that court records suggest may have been an attempt to silence or appease the complainant.

Saliu took the phone home, intending to disclose the sexual abuse to his mother. However, he was unable to find her at home that evening. Later that night, Gariba and another man identified as Sekechi allegedly attacked Saliu outside his residence. During the violent confrontation, Saliu suffered significant facial swelling before his elder sister intervened after hearing him call for help.

Sekechi, the alleged accomplice in the assault, remains at large and is being sought by authorities. The assault charges against Gariba stem from this incident, which he has denied despite pleading guilty to the sexual abuse allegations.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual abuse and exploitation of vulnerable young people in Ghana, particularly those seeking economic assistance or shelter. Youth apprenticeships and informal work arrangements, while common across the country, can create exploitative power dynamics when not properly monitored. The delayed reporting by the victim—a common pattern in abuse cases—underscores the cultural stigma and shame that often prevent survivors from coming forward immediately.

The case also reflects the importance of family support systems and community vigilance. The intervention by Saliu's sister may have prevented further harm and helped secure evidence for prosecution. Authorities are continuing investigations into the assault allegations and the whereabouts of the second suspect.