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By Edward Graham Sebbie
A Tamale High Court has sentenced 48-year-old Abdallah Mohammed to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 14-year-old girl, plus 6 additional months for perjury.
ActionAid Ghana calls the ruling a landmark moment for child protection in northern Ghana.
Justice Charles Kwesi Acheampong ruled the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the survivor was 14 at the time of the offence. The verdict drew on testimony from the girl, her guardian, and court records. Mohammed was acquitted on a separate abortion charge due to insufficient evidence, but the defilement charge was upheld.
“Our message is clear: violence against girls and children has no place in our society, and perpetrators will be held accountable,” said John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana.
Activista Ghana coordinators Rayan Iddi Yusif, Nyadia Hamza, Issahaku Abdul-Latif, and Hamdan Amadu said the ruling validates youth-led action. “As young people, we have a responsibility to speak out against all forms of violence and stand with survivors,” they stated.
ActionAid Ghana’s legal team, Justin Bayor Esq. and Beatrice Biije, noted the case shows survivor-centred legal aid works. We’re now pushing for stronger child protection systems, expanded legal aid, and psychosocial support for survivors through every stage of justice.
ActionAid Ghana and Activista Ghana thank the Ghana Police Service DOVVSU, the Attorney-General’s Office, healthcare workers, and social welfare officers, stating that the conviction happened because communities, civil society, law enforcement, and the judiciary worked together.
ActionAid Ghana and Activista Ghana therefore call on the government, traditional authorities, and communities to invest in prevention, enforce child protection laws, and ensure every child can access justice and live free from fear.
