We are deeply troubled to report on a recent case of child defilement in the Tarkwa circuit court. A 56-year-old farmer, known as Kwaku Sarfo or Kantanka, has been sentenced to 24 years of hard labour for his heinous crime against a 10-year-old pupil.
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Sarfo was convicted on his own plea before the court presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu. Despite pleading for mercy, the court rejected his appeal and imposed the stern sentence as a deterrent to others who may consider committing such despicable acts against innocent girls in Tarkwa and its environs.
According to Superintendent of Police Juliana Essel-Dadzie, who prosecuted the case, the victim was a primary four pupil and the daughter of a farmer residing in Anokwa, Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, where Sarfo also lived.
The incident occurred on Thursday, March 28, 2024, when the victim was sent by her parents to fetch water from a nearby stream for domestic use. Sarfo, who was the complainant's neighbor, took advantage of this opportunity to commit the crime.
Upon her return with the water, Sarfo lured the victim into his room under the pretense of fetching water for him. Once inside, he locked the door and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her. After threatening her to keep silent, he allowed her to leave.
The following day, the victim's father noticed her distress and took her to the Prestea Government Hospital, where she revealed her ordeal to a medical officer. Subsequently, the case was reported to the police, leading to Sarfo's arrest on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
This disturbing case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our children and seeking justice for victims of such abhorrent acts. Our thoughts are with the young victim and her family as they navigate the aftermath of this traumatic experience.
It is our hope that this significant sentence will send a strong message that such egregious violations of innocence will not be tolerated in our society. Let us all remain vigilant in protecting the vulnerable and upholding the principles of justice and safety for all.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
