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In the Upper East Region of Ghana, a shocking case of child abuse has sent shockwaves through the community of Kanga, a suburb of Zorko in the Bongo District. A 19-year-old farmer named Yaw Apuriyuure Azorkosakiya has been sentenced to three years in prison for the heinous crime of defiling an eight-year-old girl. The Bolgatanga Circuit Court presided over by Mr. Sumaila Mbache Ahmadu delivered this verdict, and it raises important questions about the protection of children and justice in the region.
The accused, Yaw Apuriyuure Azorkosakiya, faced charges under the Criminal and Other Offences Act 129, (Act 1960), specifically for defiling a female child below the age of 16. It is a deeply troubling crime that has lifelong consequences for the victim and leaves a scar on the community.
What makes this case particularly disturbing is that the accused, Yaw Apuriyuure Azorkosakiya, admitted to the crime and pleaded guilty. However, he also appealed for mercy, claiming that he did not understand what drove him to commit such a horrific act. This plea for mercy underscores the importance of addressing not only the legal aspects of such cases but also the underlying factors that lead to such offenses.
The court’s decision to convict Azorkosakiya based on his own admission is consistent with legal procedures, but it also brings attention to the age of the offender. At 19 years old, Azorkosakiya is considered a young offender. As a result, the court applied the Juvenile Act, which led to a reduced sentence of three years. This decision raises questions about whether this sentence is adequate for a crime as grave as child defilement, considering the long-term trauma and harm suffered by the victim.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Baliki Amidu Issaka, presented a compelling case. The complainant, Anita Lariba Adayikine, who is a cloth weaver, lived in the same community as the victim. The victim, a third-grade student, lived with Adayikine, making this case even more distressing as it occurred within the confines of what should have been a safe environment.
The harrowing incident took place on September 3, 2023, around noon. Azorkosakiya, while at the victim’s father’s fuel station, asked the young girl to fetch him some water. This seemingly innocuous request took a sinister turn when, after drinking the water, he lured her to where his tricycle was parked. There, he abandoned the fuel he had purchased and forcibly carried the victim into a nearby millet farm.
In a chilling turn of events, the victim began to cry out for help, but Azorkosakiya, in a cruel act, covered her mouth to stifle her cries. He proceeded to engage in sexual intercourse with the terrified eight-year-old, causing her to bleed. To make matters worse, he threatened the child, stating that he would kill her if she dared to disclose the incident to anyone.
The victim’s suffering did not go unnoticed. On September 4, 2023, around 6:00 PM, the complainant, Anita Lariba Adayikine, observed the child walking in an abnormal manner. Concerned for the girl’s well-being, she approached her, only to make a horrifying discovery – the child’s genital area was swollen, and she tearfully recounted the ordeal, naming Azorkosakiya as her attacker.
In a courageous move, Adayikine confronted the accused at his residence, demanding answers. However, Azorkosakiya denied any involvement and promptly went into hiding after their confrontation. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the complainant took swift action by reporting the incident to the local police. As a result, she was provided with a medical form to ensure that the victim received the necessary medical attention and documentation of her injuries.
The subsequent police investigation culminated in the arrest of Azorkosakiya on September 14, 2023. During the interrogation, he admitted to the heinous act, but disturbingly, he claimed to have no understanding of what had driven him to commit such a terrible crime. This admission raises important questions about the factors contributing to such offenses and the need for both punishment and rehabilitation in such cases.
The case of Yaw Apuriyuure Azorkosakiya’s conviction for defiling an eight-year-old girl in the Upper East Region serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children and ensuring justice is served. While the legal system has acted swiftly in this instance, questions remain about the adequacy of the three-year sentence, especially given the long-term physical and psychological trauma suffered by the victim. Additionally, this case highlights the need for a broader societal conversation about the prevention of such crimes and the rehabilitation of young offenders to prevent future incidents of this nature. The community and authorities must work together to create a safer environment for all children, where their innocence is cherished and protected.
