14-year jail term for man convicted of defilement in Wa

A 29-year-old tricycle rider, Naah Mashood, has been convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in hard labour for defiling a three-year-old girl at Tiegber in the Wa Municipality.

The sentence was handed down by the Wa High Court on Friday, October 30, 2026, after a full trial.

According to a press release issued by the Upper West Regional Police Command on Monday, November 2, 2026, the convict was contracted by the victim’s parent to pick her up from school.

Police said on February 23, 2026, he lured the girl to an isolated location and sexually assaulted her inside his tricycle.

Following a complaint by the mother of the victim, personnel of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Upper West Regional Command arrested the suspect on February 24, 2026.

After investigations, he was first arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court and subsequently stood trial at the Wa High Court, where he was found guilty of defilement.

His Lordship Justice Osei-Wusu sentenced him to 14 years imprisonment in hard labour.

The Upper West Regional Police Command has commended the officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case, as well as all persons who contributed to ensuring justice was served.

The Command urged parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children and ensure their safety at all times.

Members of the public have also been encouraged to report suspected cases of child abuse and defilement to the nearest police station or DOVVSU office for prompt action.

The Command assured the public of its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice.

The statement was signed by the Upper West Regional Police Commander, Mr. Francis Yiribaare, DCOP.