Four-year-old defiled eight times in Suhum

A four-year-old girl is battling serious reproductive health complications after she was allegedly defiled eight times by a 14-year-old Junior High School pupil at Suhum in the Eastern Region.

According to the victim’s family, the abuse reportedly began when the child was about three-and-a-half years old. The incidents are said to have occurred at various locations within their compound house, including the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

The child initially complained to her mother about persistent pain in her private parts. However, the complaints were allegedly not taken seriously until they became frequent, particularly whenever the mother attempted to bathe her.

Upon further questioning, the child mentioned the name of the suspect, a 14-year-old boy identified as Addo, who resides in the same compound house. When confronted, the suspect allegedly admitted to sexually abusing the child eight times.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, who issued medical forms for examination. A medical report from the Suhum Government Hospital, endorsed by Dr. Nancy De-Graft Menz, indicated minor abrasions on the outer labia, a ruptured hymen and the presence of foul-smelling whitish discharge on the vulva. The report also noted mild tenderness, while other systemic examinations were normal.

Following confirmation of the medical findings, the suspect was arrested and interrogated, where he allegedly admitted to the offence. He was later arraigned before the Suhum Magistrate Court and granted bail.

The father of the accused, said to be a catechist, reportedly engaged some respected individuals in the Suhum community, including chiefs and officers from the Education Directorate, to plead for an out-of-court settlement. However, the victim’s parents declined the request.

The Suhum Police Commander and officers from the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit also rejected attempts to settle the matter at home, insisting that it is a criminal case that must be prosecuted in court.

The accused’s family subsequently hired a lawyer who changed his plea to not guilty when the case was called again in court. Since then, the case has reportedly suffered multiple adjournments, with the defence said to be raising legal technicalities.

Meanwhile, the victim continues to battle infections and complications affecting her genitals. On Sunday, February 23, she was referred to the Eastern Regional Hospital for further treatment.

The parents are demanding swift justice for their daughter as the court proceedings continue.