Galamsey operator jailed 14 years for defiling 8-year-old girl at Manso Mpese

The Bekwai Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Isaac Appiatu, has sentenced a 30-year-old illegal mining operator, Atta Kwadwo, to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for defiling an eight-year-old girl at Manso Mpese in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking to Adom News correspondent Isaac K. Normanyo at the court, the Ashanti South Regional Police Command’s Court Officer and Acting Public Affairs Officer, ASP Lloyd Baidoo, said the victim’s parents reported the incident to the police on July 10, 2026.

The complaint reported that Atta Kwadwo lured the victim to a bathroom and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.

He said police arrested Atta Kwadwo on the same day, leading to his prosecution and subsequent conviction.

ASP Baidoo explained that Ghanaian law criminalises sexual intercourse with children under 16 years, and offenders face prosecution and imprisonment.

He cautioned the public, particularly men, against engaging in sexual activity with children, warning that anyone found committing such offences would be arrested and prosecuted.

The sentence is part of efforts to enforce laws protecting children from sexual abuse and hold offenders accountable for their actions.