Farmer jailed 15 years for defilement

A Sogakope Circuit Court has sentenced Agbeko Ametame, a 45-year-old farmer, to 15 years in prison for incest and defiling his 14-year-old niece at Mafi-Dzabukpo in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.

Ametame faced charges on two counts — incest in violation of Section 105 of the Criminal Offences Act 29/60 as amended, and child defilement under 16 years contrary to Section 101 of the same Act.

He admitted guilt and was sentenced based on his own plea as a result.

Concise details submitted to the court by L/CPL Kukubor Gifty, from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), revealed that the victim, currently six months pregnant, has resided with the accused since she was three years old after her mother placed her under his guardianship.

The victim allegedly thought the defendant was her father and resided with him in one room.

The prosecutor mentioned that the defendant started engaging in sexual relations with the victim when she turned 11, resulting in pregnancy.

The court, led by Joseph Naadado Mcaly, learned that the defendant ordered the victim to hide the details of her pregnancy and purportedly declined to pursue medical assistance due to fear of being discovered.

The issue surfaced when educators at the victim’s school noticed physical alterations and inquired about them.

It is said that she revealed her maternal uncle’s involvement, leading to a report to local leaders and later to the DOVVSU in Sogakope.

A medical report was prepared for the victim, and the suspect was subsequently apprehended.

Agents from the National Investigation Bureau and the Police Service examined the site and recorded evidence.

Upon review of the evidence, the court found Ametame guilty and imposed a 15-year prison term.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com