Accra: A Kpando circuit court has ordered a 60-year-old chief to pay 1.4 million cedis to a 14-year-old junior secondary school girl he impregnated. The court, presided over by Mr. Robin Batu, directed that 700,000 cedis of the amount should be invested in an interest-yielding bank account in the name of the girl until she reaches the age of 18. Additionally, the court awarded a 700,000-cedi cost against Togbe Leo Kumah the second, chief of Kokro-Buta, near Kpando, who is the defendant. Out of this, 250,000 cedis is allocated for the girl's upkeep and medical expenses, as she is currently six months pregnant.
According to Ghana Web, the court's decision follows a suit filed by Mr. Moses Atta Dedu, father of the girl, against Togbe Kumah on July 30, this year. The plaintiff demanded three million cedis, arguing that the defendant had ruined his daughter's educational prospects. Furthermore, Mr. Dedu sought a court order compelling Togbe Kumah to assume responsibility for the pregnancy, including providing for feeding and medical bills. Togbe Kumah admitted responsibility for the pregnancy and claimed that he had initiated customary rites by sending drinks to the girl's father to "legalize" the marriage.