A Techiman Circuit Court has sentenced a 41-year-old officer of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to four months in prison for physically abusing her 12-year-old stepdaughter.
The convict, Mariama Issah Sulemana, serves as a NADMO zonal coordinator and also works as a caterer. The court found her guilty after she pleaded guilty with an explanation to the charge.
The victim, a first-year student at Nkwaeso Methodist Junior High School in Techiman, suffered injuries to her face, palm, and other parts of her body. Sulemana reportedly used a car key to attack the girl.
According to police prosecutor Inspector Ofori Yeboah, the case came to light when Techiman Municipal Girls Education Officer Ellen White Opoku received information about the abuse.
She promptly reported the matter to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) for investigation.
The court heard that Sulemana assaulted the child because she suspected her of stealing money.
Police arrested Sulemana on May 24. Authorities later granted her enquiry bail because she was caring for a baby at the time.
During the trial, she admitted to the offence but claimed frustration had pushed her to act.
She told the court that she had been struggling with the girl’s alleged behaviour and personal challenges, including the long absence of her husband, who she said had travelled abroad.
The presiding judge, however, dismissed her explanation and convicted her. The court initially remanded her into police custody and scheduled a later date for sentencing.
Delivering his judgment on Monday, the judge said the prison term should serve as a warning to others who abuse children.
He also stated that he was not convinced Sulemana had shown genuine remorse for her actions.
The court further ordered that the two stepchildren under her care be handed over to relatives from their father’s side of the family.
Authorities have referred the welfare of the remaining children in her care to the Family Tribunal for appropriate arrangements during her imprisonment.
Reacting to the ruling, Techiman Municipal Guidance and Counselling Coordinator Nana Asantewaa Munufie praised the court’s decision.
She urged parents and guardians to protect children and avoid all forms of abuse.
She added that the Ghana Education Service, in collaboration with traditional leaders, would continue to ensure that anyone who mistreats children faces legal consequences.
Munufie also described the court’s directives regarding the care and protection of the affected children as both necessary and appropriate.
