A 29-year-old tricycle rider, Naah Mashood, has been sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by the Wa High Court for defiling a three-year-old girl at Tiegber in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region.
The convict was sentenced on Friday, October 30, 2026, after being found guilty of the offence following a full trial before the court.
The Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Regional Police Command arrested Mashood on February 24, 2026, following a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother.
According to a police statement, the suspect, who had been contracted by the victim’s parent to transport her to and from school, allegedly lured the child from school to an isolated location on February 23, 2026, where he sexually assaulted her inside his tricycle, locally known as a Cambuu.
Following investigations, Mashood was arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court and subsequently stood trial at the Wa High Court.
After the trial, the court found him guilty of defilement, with His Lordship Justice Osei-Wusu sentencing him to 14 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
The Upper West Regional Police Command has commended the officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case, as well as members of the public who contributed to ensuring justice was served.
The Command has also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and ensure their safety at all times.
It further encouraged the public to report suspected cases of child abuse and defilement to the nearest police station or DOVVSU office for prompt action.
The Police Command pledged its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice.
