A 29 year old tricycle rider, Naah Mashood, has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour after being convicted of defiling a three year old girl at Tiegber in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region. Editorial Standards
The sentence was handed down by the Wa High Court on October 30, 2026, following a full trial in which the court found Mashood guilty of the offence.
His conviction brings a conclusion to a case that has renewed concerns about child protection and the responsibility of adults entrusted with the care and transportation of young children.
According to the Upper West Regional Police Command, Mashood was arrested on February 24, 2026, by officers of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), following a complaint lodged by the child’s mother.
Police said the rider had been engaged by the child’s parent to pick her up from school.
However, on February 23, 2026, instead of taking her to her intended destination, he allegedly lured her to an isolated location and sexually assaulted her inside his tricycle, locally known as a cambuu.
The police statement, issued on November 2, said investigations were conducted before Mashood was brought before the Wa District Magistrate Court. The case subsequently proceeded to the Wa High Court, where he stood trial and was convicted.
The 14 year sentence with hard labour reflects the seriousness of the offence and the court’s finding of guilt after considering the evidence presented during the trial.
The case also highlights the particular responsibility placed on individuals who are employed by parents and guardians to transport children safely.
How the case came to light
The incident was reported to the police by the child’s mother, whose complaint prompted DOVVSU officers to begin investigations.
The unit, which operates within the Ghana Police Service, handles cases involving domestic violence, child abuse and other offences affecting vulnerable individuals.
Reports provided further details of the trial. The prosecution told the court that the child’s mother had noticed injuries while bathing her daughter and subsequently became aware of the alleged abuse.
The prosecution also presented evidence linking the accused to the incident. The court ultimately found that the case had been established beyond reasonable doubt and convicted Mashood.
The police have not released the child’s identity, in keeping with the need to protect the privacy and dignity of a minor involved in a sexual abuse case.
Protecting the identity of child victims is essential to preventing further harm, stigma or unnecessary exposure.
The importance of safeguarding children
The case has drawn attention to the risks children may face when they depend on adults outside their immediate families for transportation and other daily activities.
In many Ghanaian communities, tricycles are used to transport schoolchildren, workers and other passengers.
Their availability and relatively affordable fares make them a common means of movement, particularly in areas where access to conventional public transport may be limited.
Parents and guardians who engage drivers or transport operators to convey children place considerable trust in those individuals.
That responsibility requires drivers to prioritise the safety of young passengers and comply with the arrangements agreed upon with families.
While no single precaution can eliminate every risk, parents can take practical steps to strengthen children’s safety. Editorial Ethics & Independence
These include verifying the identity and contact details of transport providers, maintaining communication about school collection and drop off arrangements, and ensuring that children are handed over to authorised adults.
Schools and transport operators also have a role to play in developing clear procedures for releasing young pupils to approved caregivers and reporting situations that raise safeguarding concerns.
Equally important is creating an environment in which children feel safe communicating with trusted adults.
Parents and guardians should encourage age appropriate conversations about personal safety, boundaries and the importance of reporting uncomfortable or harmful experiences without fear of punishment.
Police urge parents and the public to remain vigilant
Following the conviction, the Upper West Regional Police Command commended the officers involved in investigating and prosecuting the case, as well as members of the public who contributed to securing justice.
The Command urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to the safety of children and take appropriate measures to protect them.
It also encouraged anyone with information about suspected child abuse or defilement to report it to the nearest police station or DOVVSU office.
The appeal highlights the importance of early reporting in cases involving children.
Prompt complaints can enable investigators to gather relevant evidence, arrange appropriate medical support and take steps to protect victims from further harm. Corrections Policy
Ghana’s laws treat defilement as a serious criminal offence. Under Section 101 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended, defilement involves unlawful sexual intercourse with a child under 16 years, regardless of whether the child appears to consent.
The law provides for a prison sentence ranging from seven to 25 years upon conviction.
The Wa case therefore serves as a reminder that adults entrusted with children have a duty to protect them, while those who abuse that trust can face serious criminal consequences.
As the Upper West Regional Police Command reiterates its commitment to child protection, the conviction also underscores the importance of cooperation among families, schools, communities and law enforcement agencies in preventing abuse and ensuring that children receive the protection they deserve.