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 in the Wa Municipality of Ghana’s Upper West Region.
According to a press release issued on 2 November 2026 by the Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Upper West Regional Command, Mashood was found guilty of the offence of defilement on 30 October 2026 by His Lordship Justice Osei-Wusu of the Wa High Court.
The Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Upper West Regional Command arrested the suspect on 24 February 2026 following a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother. Investigations revealed that on 23 February 2026, the convict, who had been contracted by the parent to pick the child from school, lured the three-year-old girl to an isolated location and sexually assaulted her inside his tricycle (commonly known as a Cambuu) at Tiegber in the Wa Municipality.
After a thorough investigation, Mashood was arraigned before the Wa District Magistrate Court. Upon committal, he stood trial at the Wa High Court, where he was subsequently convicted and sentenced.
The Upper West Regional Police Command has commended the officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case, as well as all persons who contributed to ensuring that justice was served.
In the statement signed by the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mr. Francis Yiribare, the Command urged parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children and ensure their safety at all times. Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspected cases of child abuse and defilement to the nearest police station or DOVVSU office for prompt action.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are brought to justice.
