ActionAid Ghana and Activista Secure Justice as Court Sentences Man to 15 Years for Defiling 14-Year-Old Girl

ActionAid Ghana and its youth movement, Activista Ghana, have achieved a major milestone in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence following the conviction and sentencing of Abdallah Mohammed for defiling a 14-year-old girl.

The Tamale High Court, presided over by His Lordship Justice Charles Kwesi Acheampong, sentenced Mohammed to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty of defilement. The court also imposed an additional six-month prison sentence for perjury after determining that the convict had provided false testimony under oath during the trial.

The judgment marks the culmination of years of advocacy, legal support, and community engagement by ActionAid Ghana and Activista Ghana aimed at protecting women and girls and ensuring justice for survivors of abuse.

A key issue during the trial was the age of the survivor. While the accused insisted that the victim was 18 years old, the prosecution maintained that she was 14 at the time of the offence. After carefully reviewing testimonies from the survivor, her guardian, and evidence from previous court proceedings, the court ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the victim was a child when the offence occurred.

Although Mohammed was acquitted on a separate abortion charge due to insufficient evidence, the court found the evidence supporting the defilement charge compelling enough to secure a conviction.

Reacting to the verdict, John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, described the ruling as a significant victory for child protection and justice.

“This ruling sends a strong message that violence against girls and children has no place in our society and that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions. We commend the courage of the survivor and everyone who supported her through the justice process,” he said.

“At ActionAid Ghana, we remain committed to ensuring that every girl has access to protection, justice, and the opportunity to live free from violence and fear. This conviction demonstrates that when communities, civil society organisations, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary work together, justice can prevail.”

Justin Bayor Esq., Head of Programmes, Campaigns and Innovation at ActionAid Ghana, and Beatrice Biije, Regional Programme Manager, also welcomed the judgment, describing it as evidence of the effectiveness of survivor-centred legal support and sustained advocacy.

“This outcome is a testament to the power of persistence, collaboration, and a justice system that places the rights of survivors at its centre. For years, ActionAid Ghana has worked alongside communities, legal practitioners, and partners to ensure that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are not denied justice,” they stated.

Representatives of Activista Ghana—including former Northern Regional Coordinator Rayan Iddi Yusif, Programme Lead Nyadia Hamza, Immediate Past Coordinator Issahaku Abdul-Latif, and Northern Regional Coordinator Hamdan Amadu—described the conviction as a victory for survivors and a reminder of the crucial role young people play in promoting justice and accountability.

“This conviction sends a clear message that abuse against girls and children will not go unchallenged. As young people, we have a responsibility to speak out against all forms of violence and support survivors in their pursuit of justice,” they said.

The youth movement reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising and empowering young people to challenge harmful practices, raise awareness on child protection issues, and advocate for the rights and safety of girls and young women.

ActionAid Ghana and Activista Ghana also expressed gratitude to the Ghana Police Service, particularly the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Office of the Attorney-General, healthcare professionals, social welfare officers, and all partners who provided support throughout the legal process.

According to the organisations, the case demonstrates the importance of coordinated action among state institutions, civil society organisations, and communities in protecting children and ensuring access to justice.

While welcoming the court's decision, ActionAid Ghana and Activista Ghana called on government institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, and community members to intensify efforts to prevent child sexual abuse, strengthen child protection systems, expand access to legal aid, and provide psychosocial support for survivors.

The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to building a Ghana where women and girls can live free from violence, fear, discrimination, and oppression.

About ActionAid Ghana

ActionAid Ghana is a registered non-governmental organisation and part of a global movement working to promote human rights and eradicate poverty in more than 45 countries. In Ghana, the organisation operates across 11 regions, championing social justice, gender equality, and the rights of vulnerable communities. Its mission is to help create a just and sustainable world where everyone can live with dignity, free from poverty and oppression.