Kelvin Oppong, a 20‑year‑old galamsey operator from Nsuaem in the Western Region, was handed a 15‑year prison sentence by the Tarkwa Circuit Court for defiling a 14‑year‑old student. Oppong pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement before the court, which was presided over by Her Honour Bernice Mensima Ackon.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Samuel Ahiabor, who prosecuted the case, told the court that the victim’s stepmother, who also lived in Nsuaem, had sent the girl to sell sausage and gizzard to raise money for her education. The girl was awaiting her Basic Education Certificate Examination results before enrolling in senior high school.
On 26 May 2026, around 0930 hours, the stepmother sent the girl to Nsuaem township to sell food. At about 1100 hours, Oppong approached the girl under the pretext of buying some of the sausage and offered a GH¢100 note. When the girl could not provide change, he lured her to his house, claiming he would give her money. There, he pretended to be a pastor, prayed for her, and gave her a concoction that caused her to fall asleep.
While she slept, Oppong forcibly had sexual intercourse with her on the veranda of his house. After she regained consciousness, she realised she had been assaulted and reported the incident to her stepmother. The matter was subsequently reported to the Nsuaem Police, who issued a medical report form for the victim to undergo examination and treatment. The girl was taken to Nsuaem Government Hospital, where she received medical attention. The endorsed medical report confirmed that she had been defiled.
On 27 May 2026, the stepmother, with the help of some residents, spotted Oppong in the township, apprehended him and handed him over to the police. Following investigations, Oppong was charged with defilement and arraigned before the court, where he pleaded guilty and was convicted on his own plea.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges of galamsey operations and the vulnerability of young girls in rural communities. Law enforcement remains vigilant in pursuing offenders who exploit their positions for sexual abuse.
