- 28-year-old Augustine Owusu sentenced to 7 years for defiling employer's 12-year-old daughter.
- Owusu pleaded guilty to defilement charge.
- Owusu took advantage of his position to commit the crime.
- Court upholds justice, protects victim's rights.
The Gender-Based Violence Court has handed down a seven-year prison sentence to Augustine Owusu, a 28-year-old houseboy, for defiling his employer’s 12-year-old daughter. Owusu pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement and was convicted by the court presided over by Dora Inkumsah Eshun.
According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei, the complainant is a businessman who resides in Tabora, Accra, with the victim, a Junior High School pupil. Owusu was employed as the complainant’s houseboy and lived in the same house as the plaintiff.
The prosecution stated that Owusu’s primary responsibility in the complainant’s house was to care for the victim’s grandfather. Owusu and the grandfather shared a room in the house, while the victim would often visit them after school.
Between June and November 2023, the victim frequently visited her grandfather’s room, but sometimes didn’t find Owusu there. On one occasion, the grandfather saw the victim running out of his room, which raised his suspicions. He informed the victim’s mother, who warned Owusu to stay away from her.
Despite the warning, the victim’s mother noticed that Owusu continued to interact with her daughter. She became suspicious and “set spies” on Owusu to monitor his activities.
On March 9, 2024, at around 9:00 am, Owusu was seen carrying the victim on a bike. When the victim’s mother was informed, she caused his arrest the next day. During interrogation, Owusu admitted to having sex with the victim on two occasions.
The prosecution presented evidence that Owusu had taken advantage of the victim’s trust and committed the heinous crime. The court found Owusu guilty and sentenced him to seven years in prison.
The case highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children, particularly in domestic settings. It also emphasizes the need for those in positions of trust to uphold their responsibilities and respect the boundaries of their employment.
The victim’s family has expressed relief at the conviction and sentencing of Owusu, hoping that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar crimes. The court’s decision has been praised for upholding justice and protecting the rights of the victim. The case serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and education to prevent such crimes from occurring in the future.
