REPUBLIC VRS. OFORI (CCD/CC6/11/24) [2025] GHAHC 24 (23 January 2025)

REPUBLIC VRS. OFORI (CCD/CC6/11/24) [2025] GHAHC 24 (23 January 2025)

The prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused, Stephen Ofori, unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the seven-year-old victim, as established by the credible testimony of the victim, corroborated by medical evidence, circumstantial evidence, and the accused's own statements placing him at the scene. The accused's denial was unsubstantiated and his failure to cross-examine the victim amounted to admission of her evidence.

Citation
[2025] GHAHC 24
Parties
Prosecution: The Republic; Accused: Stephen Ofori
Court
High Court
Jurisdiction
Ghana
Judgment Date
23 January 2025
Case Number
CCD/CC6/11/24
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Judgment
Outcome
conviction
Legal Topics
Defilement, Sexual Offences, Child Protection, Burden of Proof
Source Language
English
Criminal Law Defilement Sexual Offences Child Protection Burden of Proof

Case Brief

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Parties

The Republic

Prosecution

Stephen Ofori

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the accused committed the offence of defilement under Section 101(2) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29)
  2. 2 Whether the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt
  3. 3 Whether the evidence of the victim, corroborated by medical and circumstantial evidence, is sufficient for conviction

Ratio Decidendi

The prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused, Stephen Ofori, unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the seven-year-old victim, as established by the credible testimony of the victim, corroborated by medical evidence, circumstantial evidence, and the accused's own statements placing him at the scene. The accused's denial was unsubstantiated and his failure to cross-examine the victim amounted to admission of her evidence.

Court Disposition

conviction

Orders

  • The accused, Stephen Ofori, is found guilty of defilement and convicted accordingly.