Republic Vrs Agyapong [2022] GHACC 115 (21 December 2022)

Republic Vrs Agyapong [2022] GHACC 115 (21 December 2022)

The prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused had sexual intercourse with the victim, as the only direct evidence was the victim's testimony, which lacked corroboration, and the medical report was conducted too late to have probative value. The accused's denial and the absence of material witnesses and timely medical evidence created reasonable doubt as to his guilt.

Citation
[2022] GHACC 115
Parties
Prosecution: The Republic; Accused: Akwasi Agyapong
Court
Circuit Court
Jurisdiction
Ghana
Judgment Date
21 December 2022
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Judgment
Outcome
acquittal
Legal Topics
Defilement, Burden of Proof, Evidence, Sexual Offences
Source Language
English

Case Brief

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Parties

The Republic

Prosecution

Akwasi Agyapong

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether there was sexual intercourse between the accused and the alleged victim
  2. 2 Whether the alleged victim was under sixteen years of age at the time of the alleged offence

Ratio Decidendi

The prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused had sexual intercourse with the victim, as the only direct evidence was the victim's testimony, which lacked corroboration, and the medical report was conducted too late to have probative value. The accused's denial and the absence of material witnesses and timely medical evidence created reasonable doubt as to his guilt.

Court Disposition

acquittal

Orders

  • Accused is acquitted and discharged.