Sogakope: Atakli Christopher, a 48-year-old farmer, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Sogakope Circuit Court on charges of defilement and incest involving his 13-year-old biological daughter.
According to Ghana News Agency, Atakli, who resides in Mafi Devime in the Central Tongu District, faced charges under sections 101 and 105 (1) of the Criminal Offences Act 29/60 for defilement of a female under sixteen years of age and incest. The prosecution, led by D/Inspector Nene Oman VI, revealed that the offences occurred in November 2025 in Mafi Devime.
The court was informed that in 2022, Atakli removed the victim from her mother's care in Dawhenya and brought her to Mafi Devime. He enrolled her in school but then began a pattern of sexual abuse that continued for several years. Despite seeking help from her paternal grandfather and an aunt, the victim received no intervention.
The victim developed a genital infection due to the prolonged abuse, which included abnormal discharge. In fear of further abuse, she eventually fled to Mepe township in the North Tongu District for safety.
The prosecution stated that the victim disclosed her ordeal to authorities, prompting the local Assemblyman to report the matter to the police. The Ghana News Agency reported that police and National Investigation Bureau (NIB) investigators issued a medical report for the victim's examination and treatment after visiting the crime scene and taking forensic photographs.
Judge Joseph Naadado Mcaly handed down the 10-year sentence to Atakli Christopher following his guilty plea. Community residents expressed frustration over rising defilement and incest incidents and called for urgent stakeholder intervention. They praised the police and NIB for their ongoing support of vulnerable victims and urged continued protection for residents.