A 42-year-old self-styled Imam, Ilyasu Konate, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour. The Wa High Court delivered this verdict after convicting Konate of defiling a 7-year-old boy who lived next door.
This conviction concludes what prosecutors described as a “highly expedited trial.” It serves as a stern warning to child abusers in the Upper West Region. Authorities in the region report a significant increase in child molestation cases, making this judgment particularly impactful.
The case highlights a disturbing trend in Ghana where child protection remains a critical issue. The prevalence of such crimes, often involving trusted community members, underscores the need for stronger community vigilance and legal enforcement. This incident adds to the broader national conversation about safeguarding children and holding perpetrators accountable.
Principal State Attorney Abdul Saeed Shakur told JoyNews that Konate exploited his position as a trusted neighbour. “Families trusted him with their children. He was always with them,” Mr. Saeed stated. He added that Konate “decided to take advantage of that trust,” leading to the horrific act.
On January 17, 2026, Konate offered the victim and his sister a ride on his motorbike. He drove them to a secluded area behind a parked articulated truck near the tennis court in Wa. There, he sexually abused the boy. Police were called, and Konate was swiftly arraigned before the Wa High Court.
During the trial, Konate denied the charge of defilement of a child under 16. He admitted taking the children to the location but claimed no abuse occurred. However, the court heard compelling evidence to the contrary. The 7-year-old victim testified in-camera, and a medical doctor confirmed the sexual assault. The child’s mother also provided crucial evidence.
“He stood on a claim that he didn’t do it. But the court disagreed,” Mr. Saeed explained. He further noted, “The medical evidence supported our case. The testimony of the child supported our case. The science showed activity around the anal area of the child. All that, combined with the mother’s testimony, led to the conviction.”
Mr. Saeed praised the Wa Supervising High Court Judge, Justice Osei Antwi-Wusu, for his “deep, analytical, and well-researched” judgment. He highlighted that the judgment considered “the science, the facts, even child psychology,” indicating a thorough judicial process. “For a long time, we haven’t sat through a judgment like this,” Mr. Saeed remarked.
The Principal State Attorney stressed that this case is not an isolated incident. “Child molestation is quite prevalent in Upper West Region,” he revealed. He added that many cases go unreported due to social pressures and relationships, often involving individuals close to the children. The court’s firm stance signals a rigorous approach to prosecuting child abusers. “Anybody involved in child molestation, if we catch you, we will unleash the law in all its rigour,” Mr. Saeed warned.
The trial was conducted in-camera to protect the victim’s identity, adhering to legal protections for minors. Konate was immediately taken to begin his sentence. For the victim’s family, Mr. Saeed confirmed the verdict brings “relief, finally,” offering a measure of justice and closure.