A senior journalist has questioned the Ghana Police Service’s handling of an alleged incest and defilement case. Abena Opokua Ahwenee of Multimedia Group Limited’s Adom Brands stated that the police system exposed a child who needed protection. Her comments concern a case involving a police officer and his teenage daughter.
The Ghana Police Service issued a statement on May 9, 2026. The Ashanti North Regional Police Command confirmed an investigation. This involves Inspector Desmond Owusu Afriyie. He is reportedly stationed at Mampongten in the Ashanti Region. The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) at Agona District is handling the case. The complaint was lodged on November 4, 2025. Charlotte Samaa filed it on behalf of her daughter. The victim is identified as Cecilia Owusu Afriyie, aged 14. She alleges sexual abuse by her father. Medical examination was arranged for the victim. Inspector Owusu Afriyie reported himself on February 20, 2026. He was arrested and cautioned. He denied the allegations. He was later granted enquiry bail.
This case highlights critical issues in child protection and law enforcement accountability. Ghana has faced challenges in ensuring swift justice. Delays in investigations can have devastating effects on victims. The revelation of a minor’s identity in such sensitive cases can lead to severe emotional distress. It also makes them vulnerable to social stigma. This impacts their reintegration into society and academic life. The police service’s commitment to victim welfare is under scrutiny. Public trust hinges on transparent and sensitive handling of such cases.
“A child needed protection. The system exposed her instead,” Abena Opokua Ahwenee stated. She believes the public disclosure of the minor’s identity breaches child protection standards. This leaves the girl vulnerable to public scrutiny. It causes emotional distress. The journalist noted that earlier reports protected the victim’s identity. She questioned the current police statement’s compliance with protocols. The victim reportedly confided in a doctor at Garu Presbyterian Hospital at age 11. This led to an earlier police report. Medical reports later confirmed the girl is HIV positive. The accused officer also reportedly admitted to being HIV positive.
The journalist raised questions about investigation urgency. She asked why earlier reports did not lead to decisive intervention. She also questioned the delay in the officer’s interdiction. The seriousness of the allegations demands swift action. Protecting vulnerable victims must be the foremost priority. Future actions will reveal the commitment to these principles. Further investigations will assess the police response. The public will closely watch the outcome of this case. Ghana’s legal framework for child protection requires constant reinforcement.