Naah Mashood sentenced to 14 years for defiling three-year-old girl in Wa

The Wa High Court has sentenced Naah Mashood, a 29-year-old tricycle rider, to 14 years in prison with hard labour for the defilement of a three-year-old girl in the Upper West Region. The verdict was delivered on October 30, 2026, by Justice Osei-Wusu, concluding a legal process that began earlier this year. Mashood was found guilty of assaulting the toddler in Tiegber, a community within the Wa Municipality.

The prosecution established that the convict had been contracted by the victim's parents to transport the child to school. However, on February 23, 2026, Mashood diverted from the intended route and lured the girl to an isolated area where he committed the assault. The incident was reported to the police by the victim’s mother the same day, leading to Mashood's arrest on February 24, 2026.

Following the court's decision, the Upper West Regional Police Command has used the case to issue a stern warning and advice to the public regarding child safety. Authorities emphasized the importance of parental vigilance, especially when entrusting children to the care of third parties. The police further encouraged citizens to remain observant and report all suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.