A district court in Ghana’s Upper West Region has sentenced a man to seven years in prison for defiling a five-year-old girl, following a swift investigation led by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.
Issahaku Waris, a resident of Wa Zongo, was arrested on April 26, 2025, two days after the incident occurred. The case moved quickly through the judicial process, with the conviction secured on the strength of what authorities described as a thorough investigation and the cooperation of both the victim’s family and local community members.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Upper West Regional Police Command described the case as a reflection of its commitment to justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly children.
“The successful conviction underscores the Regional Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children,” the statement read. It also encouraged the public to report all forms of abuse through the appropriate legal channels.
Child protection and gender-based violence remain key concerns in Ghana, where law enforcement agencies have increasingly sought to strengthen institutional responses through dedicated units such as DOVVSU. Police officials said the case serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement and timely reporting in securing justice for victims.
