Elderly man sentenced to two decades in prison for sexually abusing child in Accra suburb

An 87-year-old man, Yaw Gahornu, has been handed a 20-year custodial sentence with hard labour after being found guilty of sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl in Ofankor, a suburb of Accra. The conviction marks a significant development in Ghana's ongoing efforts to combat child sexual abuse and protect vulnerable members of society from predatory behaviour.

The case came to light in late August this year when the victim's mother discovered bloodstains on her daughter's clothing upon returning from work. When questioned, the child revealed that Mr Gahornu had subjected her to multiple incidents of sexual abuse spanning July and August 2026. The accused allegedly used intimidation tactics, threatening to kill the child if she disclosed the abuse to her mother.

According to the Tesano Divisional Police Command, a breakthrough in the investigation came when Mr Gahornu's own granddaughter witnessed an incident of abuse on August 31, 2026. This witness subsequently alerted family members and the victim's mother, leading to a formal complaint being lodged with the police. The evidence provided by the eyewitness proved crucial in building the prosecution's case.

Legal proceedings and sentencing

Mr Gahornu was arraigned before the Gender-Based Violence Court at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) Headquarters in Accra. After examination of the evidence presented by investigators from the Tesano Division, the court found him guilty of the charge of defilement under Ghana's criminal laws. The 20-year sentence with hard labour reflects the severity of the offence and the vulnerability of the victim.

The Accra Regional Police Command has welcomed the court's decision, viewing it as validation of their investigative work and commitment to pursuing justice for victims of child abuse. In a statement released on October 12, 2026, the command reiterated its dedication to safeguarding children and other vulnerable populations from exploitation and harm.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case underscores the persistent threat of child sexual abuse within Ghanaian communities and the critical importance of swift police action and judicial response. Ghana has made progress in establishing specialised courts and support units like DOVVSU to handle gender-based violence and child abuse cases, yet incidents continue to occur across residential areas, including quiet suburbs.

Child sexual abuse remains a serious concern in Ghana, with cases often going unreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of awareness. This conviction demonstrates that when cases are reported and properly investigated, the justice system can deliver meaningful consequences. The role played by the granddaughter in reporting the abuse is instructive—family members and community witnesses must feel empowered to come forward.

The police have used this case to send a public message: citizens are encouraged to report all suspected instances of child abuse immediately without hesitation. Early reporting can prevent further harm to victims and enable law enforcement to gather evidence while it remains fresh. The command emphasised that such reports will be treated with urgency and investigated thoroughly to ensure perpetrators face appropriate criminal sanctions.

As Ghana continues to grapple with child protection challenges, cases like this serve as reminders that perpetrators can be of any age and that vigilance within families and communities remains essential to safeguarding the nation's children.