A 32-year-old tiler, Stephen Otu, was sentenced to 22 years in prison with hard labor by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for defiling and impregnating a 12-year-old girl.
Otu, who is commonly known as Atta, pleaded guilty to the charges and requested leniency from the court. However, presiding Judge Hathia Ama Manu emphasized the need for a strong deterrent against such offenses.
According to Chief Inspector of Police Abraham Ayitey, the victim’s father, a 38-year-old Pragia rider, reported the incident. Both the victim and Otu lived in the same neighborhood in Wassa Akropong, located in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality.
The prosecution detailed that approximately two months prior, Otu approached the victim, inquiring about her age. After learning she was 12, he lured her into his residence, where he sexually assaulted her. Following the assault, he gave her GH¢20 and warned her not to tell her parents.
The court was informed that Otu had sexual intercourse with the victim on three separate occasions. On November 24, 2024, the victim’s mother discovered her daughter was pregnant and, upon questioning, the girl identified Otu as the perpetrator.
A report was subsequently filed with the police, and the victim was taken to a hospital for examination. Medical records confirmed she was two months pregnant. Otu was arrested and detained to assist with the investigation.
Erica Apeatua Addo- GNA
