A Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced a 20-year-old galamsey operator, Kelvin Oppong, to 15 years in prison for the defilement of a 14-year-old girl in Nsuaem, located in the Western Region.
Oppong, who resides in Nsuaem, admitted guilt to the charge and was convicted based on his own plea.
The court, under the leadership of Bernice Mensima Ackon, was informed that the victim had completed Junior High School and was awaiting her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results in preparation for her admission to Senior High School.
As per the prosecution, on May 26, 2026, the victim’s stepmother sent her into the township of Nsuaem to sell sausage and gizzard to generate funds for her education.
The prosecution stated that around 11:00 a.m., Oppong approached the girl, feigning interest in purchasing some of her food.
He allegedly handed her a GH¢100 note, but when she could not provide change, Oppong purportedly requested that she accompany him to his residence under the pretense of giving her money.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samuel Ahiabor, who represented the prosecution, informed the court that Oppong then pretended to be a pastor, claiming he had experienced a troubling dream about her.
He allegedly prayed for her and offered her a concoction to drink, after which she fell asleep.
The prosecution indicated that Oppong then sexually assaulted the girl on the veranda of his home.
Upon regaining consciousness, the victim reportedly realised what had transpired and informed her stepmother, who subsequently reported the incident to the Nsuaem Police.
The girl was taken to the Nsuaem Government Hospital for medical examination and treatment. The medical report later confirmed that she had been defiled.
The prosecution noted that Oppong was apprehended the following day, May 27, by the victim’s stepmother and several residents after they recognised him in the Nsuaem township.
He was handed over to the police and subsequently charged with defilement.
Oppong entered a guilty plea when he appeared before the court and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
