Young interior decorator remanded for abduction and defilement of minor
A 21-year-old interior decorator has been remanded by the Asante Abuakwa Circuit Court in the Ashanti Region following charges of abducting and defiling a 15-year-old girl. The alleged offence occurred in Atwima-Koforidua. The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is expected to return to court for trial on December 4.
According to the prosecution, the victim was returning home from town when she was approached by an acquaintance who lured her into his room. After the alleged assault, the acquaintance escorted her out and then informed the 21-year-old decorator. The decorator allegedly then lured the girl into his room, where she was reportedly confined and defiled until the following afternoon, after which she was released. The victim subsequently informed her uncle, who helped trace and hand the suspect to police authorities.
In court, the uncle of the teenager was presented as the complainant. The accused initially admitted to abducting and defiling the girl, but later entered a plea of not guilty. The court deemed the offence serious and remanded him pending the trial date. Under Ghanaian law, defilement of a minor carries heavy penalties, reflecting the gravity with which such crimes are treated by the judiciary.
Child protection advocates have condemned the alleged act, calling for swift justice and stronger measures to safeguard minors. They urged increased public awareness, stricter enforcement of laws protecting children and community vigilance to prevent similar cases. Many described the case as a reminder that children remain highly vulnerable and that both institutions and society must step up to protect their rights.
The case has sparked outrage across social media platforms and among civil society groups, some calling for a thorough investigation to ensure that other potential perpetrators do not evade justice. The public demand includes calls for protection for the victim and support for rehabilitation and counselling services for survivors of sexual violence.
As the trial date approaches, the accused remains in custody. The court has instructed that bail is not to be granted. Meanwhile police investigators are expected to compile detailed evidence, including forensic and witness statements, to strengthen the prosecution’s case. Citizens and human rights organisations alike are watching closely to ensure that the legal process follows due procedure and that justice is served transparently.
