Wa High Court Sentences Elyasu Kunateh to 10 Years Imprisonment for Defiling Seven-Year-Old Boy

The Wa High Court, presided over by Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, has sentenced 42-year-old Elyasu Kunateh to 10 years in prison with hard labour for the defilement of a seven-year-old boy. The conviction, delivered on Thursday, July 23, 2026, marks the conclusion of a legal process that began earlier this year in Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region. The court found Kunateh guilty of the heinous act, emphasizing the gravity of crimes committed against minors and the necessity of firm judicial consequences.

The details of the case trace back to January 17, 2026, when the incident occurred. Upon discovering the abuse, the victim’s mother promptly reported the matter to the authorities on January 20, 2026, leading to Kunateh’s immediate arrest. Following the report, the Upper West Regional Police Command launched a comprehensive investigation, which included a medical examination of the young victim to secure the necessary evidence for prosecution. This swift intervention was crucial in building the state's case against the accused.

During the trial, the prosecution presented a compelling case that detailed the circumstances of the assault. Presiding Judge Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, in his ruling, noted that the ten-year sentence was intended to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider similar acts of exploitation. The efficiency of the investigation and the subsequent judicial process have been highlighted by local observers as a success for the region's law enforcement and legal systems in their fight against domestic and gender-based violence.

Following the sentencing, the Upper West Regional Police Command issued a statement reaffirming its unwavering commitment to tackling child abuse and protecting vulnerable individuals within the community. The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases of abuse or exploitation immediately to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. This case underscores the critical role of parental oversight and community cooperation in safeguarding children's rights across the country.