By Daniel Y Dayee, Dormaa Akwamu
The Dormaa Divisional Police Headquarters’ Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) is investigating the alleged defilement of a 14-year-old Junior High School graduate by a man identified as an undertaker in Dormaa Akwamu.
According to the victim’s mother, Peperah Margrete, her daughter, 14, has been unable to eat or speak properly and remains withdrawn since the alleged incident on 7 June 2026 at about 8:00 p.m.
“She always sits absent-minded. When you send her, she fails to go because she fears the same thing will happen to her,” Madam Margrete, 33, a farmer, said. The family has visited Wamfie District Hospital twice and sought psychiatric counselling at the Sunyani Teaching Hospital this week.
Mother recounts incident
Madam Margrete said she sent Harriet to buy water on the night of 7 June, but the girl returned late and went to bed after delivering it. The next day, her behaviour was unusual. Upon questioning, her told her parents that Ezekel Tabiri, alias One Day, allegedly defiled her.
Tabiri, a neighbour who dresses corpses, is reportedly a former classmate of Madam Margrete and a church member of the victim’s father, Gyan Clement, a tiler.
Harriet alleged that Tabiri asked her to take an item to her mother. When she went to his room, he allegedly placed a charm in the form of a bangle on her wrist and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her. He is alleged to have wiped blood with tissue, warned her not to tell anyone or she would die, and gave her GHS 50.
Arrest and court process
When confronted, the suspect allegedly sent emissaries, including the area assembly member and a pastor, to plead with the family and offered to pay any expenses incurred. The police were later informed.
ASP Irene Danso, in charge of the Dormaa DOVVSU, confirmed the case to the media in the presence of Dormaa Divisional Police Commander Chief Superintendent Daniel Kwao Taye. She said the suspect was arrested after police encountered him during a meeting arranged with the victim’s father and paternal grandfather.
“The suspect has been in our custody but has since appeared before the Dormaa and Nkrankwanta courts and has been granted bail to re-appear at a later date in July this year,” ASP Danso stated.
Parents raise concerns
The victim’s parents expressed concern that they were not notified in advance of court dates. “We are normally informed on the morning of the date, making it difficult to follow the case in court,” they said.
NGO cites challenges in defilement cases
The Dormaa Akwamu Methodist Child Development Centre, supported by Compassion International*, which assists vulnerable children, said defilement cases are prevalent in the region. Director Denis Owusu noted that perpetrators often “walk free because families don’t have the means to follow cases when they end up in court,” adding that the attitude of law enforcement can discourage victims’ families.
Owusu said a medical report from the health facility showed Harriet has no sexually transmitted diseases but is psychologically affected. He urged the police to ensure the suspect does not abscond, citing rumours that he intends to travel abroad after securing bail.
Police say investigations are ongoing.