Yaw Gahornu jailed 20 years for defiling nine-year-old girl in Ofankor

Yaw Gahornu, an 87-year-old man, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labour for the repeated sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl in Ofankor, Accra. The Gender-Based Violence Court delivered the verdict after finding Gahornu guilty on two counts of defilement. The sentence follows a trial that highlighted the gravity of child protection issues and the crucial role of community vigilance in securing justice for minors.

The investigation, conducted by the Tesano Divisional Police Command, began after the victim’s mother discovered bloodstains on the child’s clothing. Upon questioning, the girl disclosed that Gahornu had subjected her to repeated sexual abuse between July and August 2026. The convict reportedly lured the child to his quarters and used death threats to ensure her silence, warning her of dire consequences if she spoke about the incidents to anyone.

The prosecution’s case was strengthened by testimony from Gahornu’s own granddaughter, who witnessed the abuse and alerted the family. This disclosure led to immediate police involvement and subsequent medical examinations that corroborated the victim’s account. During the trial, the court considered the extreme vulnerability of the victim and the egregious breach of trust by an elderly member of the community.

Following the sentencing, the Accra Regional Police Command welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the 20-year sentence serves as a firm deterrent to potential offenders. Police officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report cases of child abuse promptly to the authorities. They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence face the full rigours of the law.