A 29-year-old tricycle rider, Naah Mashood, has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a three-year-old girl at Tiegber in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region. The sentence was handed down by Justice Osei-Wusu at the Wa High Court on October 30, 2026, after a full trial. Mashood was convicted of defilement and will serve his sentence with hard labour.
According to the Upper West Regional Police Command, the incident occurred on February 23, 2026, when Mashood, who had been contracted by the child's parent to pick her up from school, allegedly lured her to an isolated location and sexually assaulted her inside his tricycle. The victim's mother reported the incident to the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit, leading to Mashood's arrest on February 24, 2026.
The case was first arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court before proceeding to the Wa High Court for trial. The court found Mashood guilty of defilement after hearing the evidence. The police command commended the officers who investigated and prosecuted the matter, as well as members of the public who assisted in ensuring justice was served.
The Upper West Regional Police Command urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to their children's safety and to report suspected cases of child abuse or defilement to the nearest police station or DOVVSU office. The police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice.
The police command's efforts to bring Mashood to justice were part of a broader effort to combat child abuse and defilement in the region. The incident highlighted the need for parents and guardians to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities.
The sentence handed down to Mashood serves as a deterrent to others who may be considering committing similar offences. The police command's commitment to protecting children and bringing perpetrators to justice is crucial in preventing child abuse and defilement.
The case also highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community in preventing and addressing child abuse and defilement. The police command's efforts to engage with the community and encourage reporting of suspected cases of child abuse are crucial in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Key points
- A 29-year-old tricycle rider sentenced to 14 years for defiling a three-year-old girl.
- The incident occurred on February 23, 2026, when the rider allegedly lured the girl to an isolated location and sexually assaulted her.
- The police command urged parents and guardians to report suspected cases of child abuse or defilement to the nearest police station or DOVVSU office.
