Tamale, Feb. 24, – ActionAid Ghana has petitioned key state institutions to take prompt and coordinated action in a reported defilement case involving a 14-year-old Primary Six pupil at Nyanshegu, a suburb of Tamale.
In its petition, the NGO expressed “profound concern and an unwavering sense of responsibility,” highlighting its mandate to advance women’s rights, child protection, and social justice.
The petition referenced Section 101 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which criminalises sexual intercourse with a child under 16 and prescribes imprisonment of between seven and 25 years, regardless of the child’s consent. The matter constitutes a second-degree felony, and prosecution is mandatory, as affirmed in the case of Republic v. Yeboah.
According to the petition, the survivor reportedly experienced repeated abuse resulting in pregnancy. The girl went missing from school on February 13, 2026, and returned home on February 15, prompting her family to report the case to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DoVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service. Medical assessment indicated prior attempts to terminate the pregnancy, necessitating additional clinical attention.
ActionAid Ghana expressed concern over attempts at informal mediation within the community and emphasised that cases involving minors must be handled through formal justice mechanisms, in line with Act 29, the Children’s Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, and Ghana’s international human rights obligations.
The organisation called for:
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Transparent, survivor-sensitive investigations by the Police.
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Intervention by the Office of the Attorney-General to review the case docket and advise on prompt prosecution.
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Activation of integrated survivor support services, including medical care, psychosocial counselling, legal aid, and protective measures, coordinated by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
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Support from the Ghana Education Service to ensure safe school reintegration and prevent stigma.
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Reinforcement of child protection protocols at community level and public sensitisation on mandatory reporting.
ActionAid Ghana reiterated its commitment to working with government institutions to strengthen child protection, prevent impunity, and safeguard the rights and welfare of minors.
GHBUSS
24 February 2026
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