The Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced Samuel Okyere to 20 years' imprisonment in hard labour for defiling his 13-year-old daughter in the Western Region of Ghana. The court, presided over by Her Honour Bernice Mensima Ackon, handed down the sentence after Okyere pleaded guilty to defilement and incest. The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samuel Ahiaboc, presented evidence that led to the conviction.
According to the prosecution, Okyere and the complainant, a trader, had been married for 14 years and had four children, with the victim being the eldest. On January 19, 2026, at about 11:00 pm, the complainant woke up to urinate and caught Okyere having sexual intercourse with the victim in their matrimonial room. The complainant shouted at Okyere and hit his back with both hands, forcing him to get up from the victim.
The complainant reported the case to the Regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Tarkwa and was given a police medical form for the victim to be sent to the hospital for examination and treatment. The victim was subsequently examined at the Apinto Government hospital in Tarkwa, and the medical officer endorsed the medical form. The prosecution stated that during investigation, the victim revealed that Okyere started having sexual intercourse with her in 2025.
The victim told investigators that Okyere would have sexual intercourse with her whenever the complainant left home for work at dawn. Okyere was picked up for questioning, and an investigation caution statement was obtained from him. The prosecution presented this evidence, along with other testimony and exhibits, to secure the conviction.
The court rejected Okyere's excuse that he was drunk at the time of the incident, and the judge handed down a sentence of 20 years in prison to deter others from committing similar offences. The sentence was imposed in accordance with Ghanaian laws, which prescribe severe penalties for defilement and incest.
The case highlights the issue of domestic violence and child abuse in Ghana, which is a major concern for law enforcement agencies and social welfare organizations. The Ghana Police Service and other stakeholders have been working to prevent and investigate such cases, and to bring perpetrators to justice.
The sentence handed down to Okyere has been welcomed by advocates for victims of domestic violence and child abuse, who argue that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may be contemplating similar acts. The case also underscores the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour and supporting victims of abuse.
Key points
- A 40-year-old mason has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for defiling his 13-year-old daughter in Ghana's Western Region.
- The court rejected the defendant's excuse that he was drunk at the time of the incident.
- The case highlights the issue of domestic violence and child abuse in Ghana.
