Elderly Accra man remanded over child sexual abuse allegations at Ofankor

An 87-year-old man identified as Yaw Gahornu has been remanded by the Osu Court pending trial over allegations of sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl in Ofankor, a residential area on the outskirts of Accra. The case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety and protection in Ghana's urban communities.

According to court proceedings, Gahornu's wooden sleeping structure was situated approximately 40 metres from the child's home in the same neighbourhood. Investigators allege that the abuse took place over a two-month period spanning July and August 2026, during which the accused allegedly enticed the child to his quarters.

How the abuse came to light

The matter came to the attention of authorities on 29 August 2026 when the child's mother observed bloodstains on her daughter's underwear and questioned her about the discovery. The girl allegedly disclosed that Gahornu had been sexually abusing her repeatedly and had threatened to harm or kill her if she revealed what was happening.

The situation escalated on 31 August when Gahornu's own granddaughter, Maa Afia, reportedly caught the accused in the act. Afia immediately informed family members of what she had witnessed, triggering formal reports to authorities.

Following the disclosure, medical staff at Ga North Government Hospital conducted an examination of the child. Although the child was found to be physically stable, she was visibly traumatised by her experiences. The medical report documented injuries and other physical findings consistent with the allegations of sexual abuse.

Legal proceedings and investigation

Police investigators pursued the matter, and Gahornu has since been charged and placed in police custody. The court has scheduled his next appearance for 7 October 2026 to allow time for further investigations and legal preparations.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case underscores persistent vulnerabilities in Ghana's child protection framework, particularly in residential communities where oversight may be limited. Child sexual abuse remains a serious public health and human rights concern affecting hundreds of children annually, yet many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness among victims and their families.

The involvement of a family member—the accused's granddaughter—in reporting the abuse demonstrates the critical role witnesses and family networks play in protecting children. However, experts and child welfare organisations continue to advocate for stronger community awareness, improved reporting mechanisms, and consistent enforcement of child protection laws to create safer environments for vulnerable populations.

The case also raises questions about accessible supervision and monitoring systems in informal settlements and suburban communities, where many Ghanaian families reside in close quarters with limited formal oversight structures.