87-year-old man jailed 20 years for defiling nine-year-old girl

An 87-year-old Ghanaian man, Yaw Gahornu, has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl in Ofankor, Accra.

According to Peoples Gazette, the Ghana Police Service confirmed the conviction in a statement issued on Monday, October 12.

Police spokesperson Juliana Obeng said investigations revealed that the victim was repeatedly abused between July and August 2026.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that on 29th August 2026, the complainant returned from work and noticed bloodstains on the clothing of her nine-year-old daughter,” she said.

Investigators discovered that Gahornu lured the child into his sleeping quarters and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the abuse.

The incident was subsequently witnessed by his granddaughter on August 31, prompting a police report.

Gahornu was prosecuted before the Gender-Based Violence Court, where he was convicted.

Police welcomed the judgment and urged residents to report suspected child abuse promptly to protect vulnerable children and ensure perpetrators face justice.