We are deeply disturbed by the recent case of Sergeant Emmanuel Duah, a police officer who was found guilty of the crime of defilement. The incident, which took place in September 2021 at Ave-Xevi in the Akatsi North District, involved the luring and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl within a newly built police post.
It is disheartening to note that the trial of Sergeant Emmanuel Duah only began in 2023, two years after the heinous act took place. Despite the delay, justice has been served as the court, after a trial lasting more than a year, sentenced him to a 12-year jail term in hard labour on Tuesday, 26th March 2024.
The details of the case are distressing, as the young girl was cynically dragged into the room by the police Sergeant while she was innocently fetching rainwater. The victim's Aunt, upon realizing the girl's absence and subsequent return from the community, took immediate action by lodging a formal complaint at the Ave-Dakpa police station. The victim was then examined and treated as part of the investigative process.
The pursuit of justice in this case was not without challenges. Despite initial silence from the police on the matter, diligent follow-ups by EIB Network’s Faisel Abdul-Iddrisu and a Right to Information (RTI) request to the Regional Police Command and the office of the Attorney General eventually led to the prosecution of the convict.
During the trial, it was revealed that Sergeant Emmanuel Duah had initially denied the accusations, claiming that he had only held the girl’s hand and touched her breast. However, the court heard compelling evidence from the victim, leading to his guilty verdict.
It is essential for law enforcement agencies to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of the majority who serve with honor and dedication. Cases such as this serve as a reminder of the importance of swift and thorough investigation, as well as the unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims.
As a society, we must continue to advocate for the protection of vulnerable individuals and support systems that ensure their safety. It is our collective responsibility to create an environment where such egregious acts are not only condemned but swiftly addressed through due process.
We hope that this case serves as a precedent for ensuring that perpetrators of such despicable acts are held accountable for their actions. Our thoughts remain with the victim and her family, and we commend their bravery throughout this ordeal.
-source starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
