Mason Remanded Over Child Defilement Charge in Eastern Region

The Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court has remanded Richard Langma, 45, into prison custody following his appearance on a charge of defiling a child under 16 years, contrary to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960. Langma, a mason, pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on 24 June at Ogome near Somanya, where the accused lived in the same compound house as the complainant, a 24-year-old trader. The prosecution told the court that whilst the child's mother was resting due to illness, a witness heard the toddler crying and discovered her in Langma's room. The child was found bleeding and immediately taken to Somanya Polyclinic, then referred to Akuse Government Hospital for treatment.

During police investigations, Langma allegedly claimed he committed the act because he believed the child had a spirit that needed to be removed. He was arrested the same day the incident was reported.

The court, presided over by Kwasi Appiatse Abaidoo, remanded the accused into custody pending trial. The case has been adjourned to 13 July 2026.