
David Donkor, a 38-year-old farmer, has been sentenced to ten years' imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for the defilement of a 13-year-old girl. The judgment was delivered on July 31, 2026, by Presiding Judge Isaac Appiatu after the accused was found guilty under Section 101 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960. The incident, which occurred in the community of Afoako near Bekwai, has drawn significant attention to the protection of minors in the Ashanti Region.
The case originated in December 2024, when the victim's mother reported the assault to the police. Following the incident, Donkor attempted to evade justice by fleeing the area, leading to an extended search by law enforcement. After more than a year of investigations, police successfully apprehended the suspect on January 8, 2026. This arrest set the stage for a legal battle that sought to hold the farmer accountable for his actions against the minor.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution bolstered its case by presenting critical medical evidence that confirmed the assault. This testimony was instrumental in securing a conviction, as it provided the scientific basis necessary to satisfy the requirements of the Criminal Offences Act. Judge Appiatu's ruling of ten years with hard labour emphasizes the court's stance on the severity of sexual crimes and the importance of shielding children from such exploitation.
The conclusion of this trial provides a sense of closure for the victim and her family while reinforcing the judicial system's commitment to tackling child abuse. As David Donkor begins his decade-long sentence, the case serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences awaiting those who violate child protection laws. Legal advocates have praised the conviction as a vital step in ensuring that the rights of vulnerable citizens are upheld through the diligent application of Ghanaian law.
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