Accra: The Dansoman Circuit Court has sentenced a 39-year-old taxi driver to 12 years imprisonment for defiling a 14-year-old girl at Mataheko, near Dansoman, Accra. The court, presided over by Mrs. Halimah Al-Alawa Abdul-Bassit, found the taxi driver, identified as Ammisah, guilty despite his plea of not guilty.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ammisah, in his defense, stated that he had a cordial relationship with the victim's mother and had previously shown romantic interest in her, which she declined. Despite the refusal, they maintained a friendly relationship until a misunderstanding arose when Ammisah mocked her for dating an older taxi driver. This led to a breakdown in communication that lasted two years.
Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, presenting the case, noted that the complainant, a businesswoman and aunt of the victim, lives in Lapaz, while the victim resides with her biological mother in Mataheko Pharmacy. Ammisah also lives in the same area. The prosecution revealed that the victim often spent weekends at her aunt's residence.
On October 28, 2023, the victim appeared visibly weak and unable to sit properly, prompting her aunt to inquire about her condition. The victim disclosed that Ammisah had repeatedly taken her in his red car to a location at Mataheko, where he put a white substance into a bottle of Coke, gave it to her to drink, and then sexually assaulted her. Ammisah allegedly gave the victim GHS2.00 and threatened her with death if she disclosed the incident.
The complainant lodged a report with the Odorkor Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), leading to Ammisah's arrest. During interrogation, Ammisah denied any sexual activity with the victim. A police medical form was issued for the victim's examination and treatment at a medical facility. The prosecution confirmed that the medical examination was completed and endorsed by a qualified medical practitioner. The case was subsequently prepared for trial.
