The Central North Regional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), ASP Judith Sedameh, has cautioned men to verify the age of their partners by requesting birth certificates or weighing cards before entering into romantic relationships. This advice follows rising defilement cases in the Central North Region, where some men claim ignorance of the girls’ ages due to their physical appearance.
Under Ghanaian law, engaging in sexual activity with minors under 16 years is a criminal offense punishable by 7-25 years imprisonment. ASP Sedameh emphasized that ignorance of a girl’s age is not a valid defense in court.
Furthermore, ASP Sedameh appealed to the government and judicial authorities to establish a Circuit Court in Assin Fosu, citing the challenges faced by police officers and victims in defilement cases due to the absence of a court in the municipality. The region’s shortage of police personnel exacerbates law enforcement efforts, making it essential to address these infrastructural and staffing gaps.
