Three juvenile males, aged between 15 and 17 years, have been apprehended by the police for their alleged involvement in the gang-defilement of a 15-year-old girl at Aboabo Junior High School in the Akuapim North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The distressing incident occurred on January 27, 2024, prompting the authorities to swiftly arrest the suspects. The suspects have appeared twice before the Mampong Magistrate Court to face prosecution for their purported actions.
The gravity of the case has sent shockwaves through the community, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions. Under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (29) in Ghana, engaging in sexual activity with a child below the age of sixteen is strictly prohibited.
This harrowing incident has sparked conversations about the necessity of educating young individuals about such offenses and the ramifications of their behavior. Mahmoud E.K. Nantomah, the Project Coordinator of Plan International Ghana’s ‘Be Smart, Learn, and Stay Protected,’ disclosed that one of the accused individuals was the victim’s classmate, while the others were school dropouts.
The victim, who resided with her 63-year-old grandfather, had visited her friend’s house with her younger sister in the evening to borrow a book. Unfortunately, the visit took a horrific turn as the suspects allegedly assaulted her in a nearby bush.
Despite the victim’s desperate attempts to resist and seek help, the assailants forcibly restrained her. Thankfully, a nearby couple intervened, bringing her to the families of the boys and subsequently to the police station to file a report for the suspects’ arrest.
Mr. Nantomah emphasized the commitment of the organization to ensure justice for the vulnerable victim and her sibling, given their circumstances. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, the trial proceedings shed light on the complexities of the situation and its implications for the future.
