The Sogakope Circuit Court has granted bail to a 30-year-old undertaker accused of allegedly defiling a nine-year-old girl at Mepe in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region.
The accused, identified as Saviour Gakpo, pleaded not guilty to a charge of defilement of a child under 16 years, contrary to Section 101 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), when he appeared before the court presided over by Joseph Naadado Mcaly.
The court admitted him to bail in the sum of GH¢20,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a government employee earning at least GH¢2,000 monthly. He is yet to meet the bail conditions.
According to the prosecution, led by Detective Police Inspector Nene Oman of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the case was reported by the victim’s guardian after the child complained of ill health.
The prosecution told the court that investigations revealed the accused had allegedly been frequenting the vicinity of a basic school in the area and interacting with pupils.
Police said the matter was initially reported at the Aveyime Police Station before being transferred to the Sogakope DOVVSU for further investigations.
A medical examination conducted on the victim formed part of the evidence gathered by investigators, the court heard.
The prosecution further stated that the accused was subsequently arrested and cautioned, while investigations were expanded to identify and trace other potential victims connected to the case.
The court was told that some parents had reportedly withdrawn their children from school following public disclosure of the incident, while two alleged victims had been relocated by relatives to communities outside the district.
Investigators also visited the alleged crime scene and documented evidence to support the case.
Following the completion of preliminary investigations, the accused was formally charged and arraigned before the court.
The case has been adjourned to June 18, 2026, for further hearing.
Meanwhile, some residents have called for stronger measures to address child protection concerns in the Tongu area, urging authorities and stakeholders to take steps to prevent similar incidents.
Source: GNA
