This case revolves around the conviction and sentencing of a 39-year-old taxi driver, Ammisah, for the defilement of a 14-year-old girl in Mataheko, Accra. The Dansoman Circuit Court, presided over by Mrs. Halimah Al-Alawa Abdul-Bassit, handed down a 12-year prison sentence after finding Ammisah guilty, despite his plea of not guilty. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder, successfully presented a case detailing the events leading to the victim’s ordeal and Ammisah’s subsequent arrest.
The victim, who resides with her mother in Mataheko Pharmacy, frequently spent weekends at her aunt’s residence in Lapaz. The aunt, a businesswoman, became concerned when she noticed the victim’s evident discomfort and inability to sit properly on October 28, 2023. Upon questioning, the young girl revealed the harrowing details of Ammisah’s actions. She recounted how Ammisah, who lived in the same vicinity, lured her away from her friends under the guise of a car ride. He then administered a white substance dissolved in a Coke bottle to her before sexually assaulting her. Following the assault, he gave her GHS2.00 and threatened her with death if she revealed the incident.
Ammisah’s defense rested on his claim of a prior cordial relationship with the victim’s mother, including a romantic interest that she had declined. He asserted that although their communication had ceased two years prior, their relationship remained amicable until he began teasing her about dating an older taxi driver. This, he insinuated, might have motivated the allegations against him. However, the court ultimately rejected his defense in light of the compelling evidence presented by the prosecution.
The prosecution’s case was meticulously constructed, detailing the victim’s disclosure to her aunt, the subsequent complaint lodged with the Odorkor Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), and Ammisah’s arrest. Critically, the prosecution secured a medical report from a qualified practitioner, obtained through a police medical form, which corroborated the victim’s account of sexual assault. This medical evidence, alongside the victim’s testimony and the circumstances surrounding the event, proved crucial in securing the conviction.
The 12-year sentence reflects the gravity of the crime of defilement, particularly given the victim’s vulnerability as a minor. The court’s decision underscores the importance of protecting children from sexual abuse and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The case also highlights the role of family members, like the victim’s aunt in this instance, in recognizing signs of distress and supporting victims in coming forward.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of child sexual abuse within communities and the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent such occurrences. The successful prosecution and sentencing of Ammisah send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face the full force of the law. The victim’s bravery in disclosing the abuse, coupled with the diligent work of law enforcement and the court, ensured that justice was served, hopefully offering some solace to the victim and her family as they navigate the aftermath of this traumatic experience.
