Ishmael Addo, a 43-year-old chainsaw operator, has been sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison for defiling his 12-year-old stepdaughter.
The judgment was delivered by the Gender-Based Violence Court at the Police Headquarters in Accra.
Presiding Judge Dora Araba Eshun convicted Addo on his own guilty plea to two counts of defilement.
Each count carried a 15-year prison term, with the sentences running concurrently.
In addition to the prison term, Addo has been ordered to compensate the victim with GH¢3,600 and to cover her medical expenses.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei, provided evidence that Addo had sexually abused the victim on August 3 and 4, 2024, while her mother was away on a trip.
The complainant, a 36-year-old trader, had left her daughter in Addo’s care while traveling to Afram Plains.
On August 10, 2024 a co-tenant informed the complainant that the victim was unwell and had reported the abuse.
The victim confirmed the abuse to her mother and revealed that Addo had previously assaulted her on two other occasions, whilst she was asleep.
Following the report, Addo was arrested by the Asofa Police and the case was referred to the Tesano Divisional DOVVSU.
A medical examination conducted by Dr. Anin Kazi at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital confirmed the abuse.
The court’s decision underscores its commitment to addressing gender-based violence and ensuring justice for victims.
