An 87-year-old man, Yaw Gahornu, has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by the Gender-Based Violence Court at the DOVVSU Headquarters for the defilement of a nine-year-old girl.
The Tesano Divisional Police Command secured the conviction following investigations into a disturbing case of repeated abuse in Ofankor, a suburb of Accra.
According to a press release issued by the Ghana Police Service on October 12, 2026, the abuse came to light on August 29, 2026, when the victim’s mother returned from work and noticed bloodstains on her daughter’s clothing.
Upon questioning, the child disclosed that Gahornu had subjected her to repeated sexual abuse between July and August 2026, involving both vaginal and anal penetration.
Investigations further revealed that the accused allegedly lured the child to his sleeping quarters and threatened to kill her if she revealed the abuse to her mother.
The case was reported to the police on August 31, 2026, after the accused’s granddaughter reportedly witnessed the abuse and informed other family members.
Gahornu was subsequently charged and arraigned before the Gender-Based Violence Court, where he was found guilty.
The Accra Regional Police Command has welcomed the sentencing, reiterating its commitment to protecting children and vulnerable persons.
The Command urged the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse for investigation and appropriate action.
