Wa High Court jails tricycle rider 14 years for defilement

The Wa High Court has sentenced a 29-year-old tricycle rider to 14 years' imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a girl three years ago at Tiegber in the Wa Municipality.

Naah Mashood denied the offence but was found culpable after trial.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Francis Yiriboare, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, made this known in a press release copied to the Ghana News Agency.

He said, “The Domestic Violence and Victims Support of the Upper West Regional Command arrested the suspect on February 24, 2026, following a complaint received from the mother of the victim.

Mashood, the convict, was contracted by the parent to pick the victim up and drop her off at school, lured her to an isolated location on February 23, 2026, and sexually assaulted her inside his tricycle (Cambuu), DCOP Yiriboare said.

He said after painstaking investigation, the convict was charged and put before the Wa District Court and, upon conviction, he subsequently stood trial at the Wa High Court.

After the full trial, the convict was found guilty of defilement, and on October 30, 2026, Justice Osei-Wusu sentenced him to fourteen (14) years' imprisonment in hard labour.

The Upper West Regional Police Command commended the officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case, as well as all persons who helped ensure justice was served, the Commander noted.

He advised parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children and ensure their safety at all times.

Members of the public are also encouraged to report suspected cases of child abuse and defilement to the nearest police station or DOVVSU office for prompt action, he appealed.

The Command assures the public of its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice.