Ghanaian Farmer Jailed 10 Years for Defiling Minor

In a significant ruling, the Bekwai Circuit Court in Ghana has handed down a 10-year prison sentence with hard labour to David Donkor, a 38-year-old farmer, after he was found guilty of defiling his 13-year-old stepdaughter. The case against Donkor was built following investigations by the Bekwai Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, which led to his arraignment on a count of defilement. This charge was in contravention of Section 101 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). According to the details of the case, the offence took place in December 2024 at Afoako, near Bekwai. It was there that Donkor unlawfully engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor, who is his stepdaughter. The matter came to light when the girl's mother, aged 27, reported the incident to the Bekwai DOVVSU upon learning of it. Subsequent to the report, Donkor fled the community, prompting the police to initiate a manhunt. The victim underwent a medical examination, with the report from this examination serving as part of the evidence presented by the prosecution. Intelligence later revealed that Donkor had been spotted at Ntotroso in the Ahafo Region, leading to his arrest on January 8, 2026, with the assistance of the Ntotroso Police. He was then transferred to the Bekwai DOVVSU to aid in the investigations. During the course of the investigation, Donkor admitted to the offence in his caution statement before being charged and brought before the Bekwai Circuit Court. Upon hearing the case, the court determined Donkor's guilt and sentenced him to 10 years of imprisonment with hard labour.