Galamsey operator jailed 15 years

Tarkwa, Dec. 15, GNA - Kwame Ackom, a 21-year-old "galamsey" operator of Ankobra suburb of Prestea, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in hard labour by a Tarkwa circuit court for defiling an 11- year-old girl.

He pleaded guilty to the charge.
Prosecuting, Chief Inspector of Police Florence Tawiah told the court presided over by Mr. Samuel Obeng Diawuo who heard the case in chambers that the complainant, Afua Fremah, a trader at Manso Amanfi, is a relation to the victim who is a class four pupil of Roman Catholic Primary School in the same vicinity.

Inspector Tawiah said on September 15 this year, around 12:15 pm, the victim was in the bathroom when Ackom peeped through the window and saw the victim taking her bath.

She said the accused with his diabolic intention entered the bath room, rubbed his penis with soap and then covered the victim's mouth with his hand and had sexual intercourse with her.

She said during the act the victim who could not contain the pain screamed in the bathroom, attracting the attention of a witness who rushed to the scene and met Ackom and the victim naked.

The Prosecutor said the matter was reported to the Police and a medical form was issued to the complainant to send the victim to the hospital for examination.

The medical superintendent of Prestea government hospital, Dr Mahamadu Mbiniwaya, after examining the victim confirmed that she had been defiled.

Inspector Tawiah said when Ackom was arrested; he admitted the offense in his caution statement and pleaded for mercy.

GNA