Ghana's Lawra Circuit Court Sentences Kwame Ti-Zaaeku to 20 Years for Incest

• A 47-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour for incest against his 17-year-old biological daughter.
• The convict, Kwame Ti-Zaaeku, was found guilty by the Lawra Circuit Court after investigations established repeated sexual abuse over an extended period.
• The court also convicted Ti-Zaaeku of threatening to kill the victim if she disclosed the abuse, sentencing him to 10 years' imprisonment with hard labour concurrently.
• The Upper West Regional Police Command praised investigators and prosecutors for their professionalism in securing a conviction.

Kwame Ti-Zaaeku's 20-year sentence for incest marks the culmination of a decade-long investigation into his abuse of his 17-year-old biological daughter.

Kwame Ti-Zaaeku's 20-year sentence for incest marks the culmination of a decade-long investigation into his abuse of his 17-year-old biological daughter. The case, which began in 2016, involved repeated instances of sexual assault and threats to kill if she disclosed the abuse. Despite these intimidation tactics, the victim mustered the courage to report the incidents to the authorities. This courageous act ultimately led to Ti-Zaaeku's conviction on charges of incest and threat of death.

The Lawra Circuit Court's ruling highlights the importance of Ghana's laws against sexual abuse, particularly in cases involving family members. Incest is a serious offense under Ghanaian law, punishable by not less than three years and not more than twenty-five years' imprisonment with hard labour. The court's decision demonstrates that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions. Furthermore, the sentence underscores the need for effective investigation and prosecution of such cases.

The Upper West Regional Police Command has praised the investigators and prosecutor for their professionalism in securing a conviction. The case serves as a reminder that victims of sexual abuse must be protected and supported throughout the process. In this instance, the court directed the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development to provide counselling and psychosocial support to the survivor, acknowledging the long-term impact of such trauma. This emphasis on victim support underscores the importance of prompt reporting and effective investigation in cases of sexual abuse.

This development highlights the importance of prompt reporting and effective investigation in cases of sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for lawyers to advise clients on the urgency of seeking help and support for victims.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian news outlet