The Republic Vrs Sowah [2022] GHACC 204 (28 November 2022)

The Republic Vrs Sowah [2022] GHACC 204 (28 November 2022)

The accused was found guilty of defilement because the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that he had carnal knowledge of a child under 16 years, and the victim's consent was immaterial. The accused was acquitted of abduction as reasonable doubt was raised regarding whether the victim was held against her will.

Citation
[2022] GHACC 204
Parties
Prosecutor: The Republic; Accused: Emmanuel Sowah
Court
Circuit Court
Jurisdiction
Ghana
Judgment Date
28 November 2022
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Judgment
Outcome
conviction on defilement, acquittal on abduction
Legal Topics
Defilement, Abduction, Sexual Offences, Age Determination
Source Language
English

Case Brief

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Parties

The Republic

Prosecutor

Emmanuel Sowah

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the accused committed defilement of a child under 16 years
  2. 2 Whether the accused abducted the complainant's daughter

Ratio Decidendi

The accused was found guilty of defilement because the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that he had carnal knowledge of a child under 16 years, and the victim's consent was immaterial. The accused was acquitted of abduction as reasonable doubt was raised regarding whether the victim was held against her will.

Court Disposition

conviction on defilement, acquittal on abduction

Orders

  • Accused sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for defilement
  • Accused acquitted of abduction