Tarkwa Court Jails Mason 15 Years for Defiling Seven-Year-Old Child

The Tarkwa Circuit Court has handed down a 15-year prison sentence to Alfred Mensah, a 19-year-old mason, for the sexual abuse of a seven-year-old kindergarten pupil in Awodua, Western Region. Mensah entered a guilty plea to the charge of defilement and was convicted on his own admission before Her Honour Bernice Mensima Ackon.

According to prosecution evidence presented by Assistant Superintendent of Police Joseph Lartey, Mensah deliberately isolated the child to commit the offence. On 26 April, the accused sent the victim's younger sibling out of the house to purchase biscuits, then gave the victim his mobile phone as a distraction whilst he lured her into a separate room where the assault took place.

The court heard that a witness, Mary Yeboah, who was present in the family home at the time, discovered Mensah in the act of sexually assaulting the child and immediately alerted the victim's mother. The complainant promptly reported the matter to Awodua Police Station, where an official complaint was lodged.

Medical Confirmation and Investigation

Following standard protocol in child abuse cases, police issued a medical referral form to enable the victim to receive examination and treatment. The child was taken to Apinto Government Hospital, where medical staff conducted an examination that confirmed she had been sexually assaulted. The endorsed medical report was returned to police as evidence.

Officers from Awodua Police Station arrested Mensah and transferred him to the Western Central Regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit, the specialist team responsible for investigating cases involving vulnerable persons in the region.

Why It Matters for Ghana

This conviction underscores Ghana's judiciary's commitment to protecting children and prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence. Child sexual abuse remains a serious concern in Ghana, affecting children across urban and rural communities. Cases like this demonstrate how swift police action, medical evidence, and witness testimony combine to secure justice for vulnerable victims.

The 15-year sentence reflects the severity with which courts treat defilement offences under Ghana's criminal justice system. Such cases often involve perpetrators who exploit proximity and trust—Mensah lived within the victim's family home—making community awareness and vigilance essential. The involvement of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit highlights institutional recognition that child protection requires specialised investigative and support services.

For survivors and families, access to medical facilities like Apinto Government Hospital and reporting mechanisms at local police stations remains critical. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor children's whereabouts, educate them about personal safety, and report suspected abuse immediately to law enforcement or child protection agencies.