Ghanaian Court Hands 42-Year-Old Elyasu Kunateh 10-Year Jail Term for Child Abuse

In a significant move to combat child abuse, the Upper West Regional Police Command in Ghana has successfully prosecuted a case involving the defilement of a minor. Elyasu Kunateh, a 42-year-old man, was found guilty of the offence and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment with hard labour by the Wa High Court. The incident came to light on January 20, 2026, when the victim's mother reported the crime to the authorities, prompting an immediate investigation by the Regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit. The police swiftly referred the child to a medical facility for examination and ensured the young boy received psychosocial support. Following his arrest, Kunateh was arraigned before the court and remanded into police custody pending trial. The court, presided over by His Lordship Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, delivered the verdict on July 23, 2026, after a thorough hearing. This conviction underscores the commitment of the Ghanaian law enforcement agencies to protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from abuse and exploitation. The Upper West Regional Police Command has reiterated its pledge to pursue all reported cases of child abuse, sexual offences, and gender-based violence, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest police station for prompt intervention.