Conduct Swift, Transparent, and Survivor-sensitive Investigations into the Defilement case of 14-Year-Old Survivor- ActionAid Ghana & Movement Activista Petition State Institutions

ActionAid Ghana and Movement, Activista Ghana writes with profound concern and an unwavering sense of responsibility, anchored in our mandate to advance women’s rights, child protection, and social justice, to petition your esteemed institutions for immediate and coordinated intervention in a reported case involving a 14-year-old primary school girl who is a survivor of sexual abuse and is currently facing related health and psychosocial challenges.

It is worthy of note that per section 101 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29),  a person who naturally or unnaturally has carnal knowledge of a child under sixteen years of age, whether with or without the consent of the child, commits a criminal offence ( defilement) and is liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than seven years and not more than twenty-five years.   This therefore makes it a second-degree felony with prosecution being mandatory and the consent of the child being immaterial, as established in Republic v. Yeboah. 

For over three decades, ActionAid Ghana has partnered with communities, state actors, and civil society to challenge gender-based violence, harmful practices, and systemic barriers that undermine the safety and dignity of girls. This case, therefore, represents not only an individual child protection concern but a critical moment to reinforce Ghana’s collective commitment to safeguarding children, ensuring accountability, upholding enforcement of laws and strengthening public trust in national protection systems.

Summary of the Issue

Available information indicates that the survivor, a Primary Six girl, aged 14, experienced repeated abuse, which resulted in pregnancy. On 13th February2026, the 14 year old girl did not return home from school, prompting concern from family members until her return on 15th February. 2026. Following family inquiry and subsequent disclosure, the family was advised to report the matter to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DoVVSU), where appropriate medical documentation processes were initiated.

Medical assessment confirmed that an attempt had been made to terminate the pregnancy before formal reporting wad done, necessitating further clinical attention and treatment for the survivor. While the matter is currently before the Ghana Police Service for investigation, we are deeply troubled by reports of attempts at informal mediation and discontinuation of the case within the community.

While recognising the important role of traditional and faith leaders in promoting social harmony, offences involving minors constitute serious criminal offences that must be addressed through formal justice and child protection mechanisms in accordance with the Criminal and Other Offences Act, the Children’s Act, Juvenile Justice Act and Ghana’s international human rights commitments.

Our Call to Action

In the spirit of partnership, accountability, and survivor-centred justice, ActionAid Ghana and Activista Ghana  firmly calls for:

• Swift, transparent, and survivor-sensitive investigations by the Ghana Police Service to ensure accountability and prevent impunity.
• Prompt prosecution of the alleged accused person- The Office of the Attorney General should call for the case docket for study and offer the needed advice to bring it to its logical conclusion.
• Immediate activation of integrated survivor support services, including medical care, psychosocial counselling, legal assistance, and protective measures coordinated through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and allied agencies.
• Protection of the survivor’s right to safe and uninterrupted education, with the Ghana Education Service facilitating counselling support, stigma prevention measures, and safe school reintegration pathways.
• Reinforcement of child protection protocols at the community level, including clear guidance discouraging informal settlements in cases involving minors and strengthened public sensitization on mandatory reporting and justice processes.

ActionAid Ghana and Activista wish to reiterate our commitment to working collaboratively with government institutions to dismantle structures that enable violence against girls, amplify community vigilance for child protection, and advance responsive systems that place the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child at the centre of national development.