TARKWA: A tiler known as Stephen Otu, aged 32, has been sentenced to 22 years of imprisonment with hard labor by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for the defilement and impregnation of a 12-year-old girl. Otu, who is also referred to as Atta, admitted guilt and requested leniency, but the presiding judge, Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, delivered a verdict aiming to deter similar offenses.
According to Ghana News Agency, Chief Inspector of Police Abraham Ayitey, who prosecuted the case, informed the court that the victim's father, a 38-year-old Pragia rider, filed the complaint. The victim, a primary school student, resided with her family in the same neighborhood as the convict in Wassa Akropong, located in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region.
Prosecution details revealed that two months prior to the court proceedings, Otu encountered the girl in Wassa Akropong township, inquiring about her age. Upon learning she was 12 years old, he lured her into his room, where he sexually assaulted her. After the act, Otu reportedly gave the victim GHS20.00 and threatened her to keep silent about the incident.
The court was informed that Otu exploited the child on three separate occasions. The situation came to light on November 24, 2024, when the victim's mother discovered her pregnancy. Upon questioning, the child identified Otu as the perpetrator responsible for her condition.
Following the disclosure, the victim's father reported the matter to the police, who provided a medical form for the victim's examination. The subsequent medical report confirmed that the girl was two months pregnant. Otu was subsequently arrested and held in custody to facilitate further investigations.
