The Upper West Regional Police Command has secured a 10-year prison sentence for 42-year-old Elyasu Kunateh.
The man was convicted for the defilement of a 7-year-old boy in Wa.
The sentencing marks a significant victory for justice and sends a strong message that perpetrators of child sexual abuse will face the full rigour of the law.
Police Secure 10-Year Jail Sentence After Swift Arrest
The Police arrested Elyasu Kunateh on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, after the victim’s mother filed a report. The incident occurred on Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the mother immediately reported the matter to the Police.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Police commenced investigations without delay. They referred the victim to a medical facility for examination and offered him psychosocial support to help him cope with the trauma.
The Police arraigned the accused before the Wa High Court, and the Court remanded him into police custody.
10-Year Jail Sentence After Full Trial
On Thursday, July 23, 2026, His Lordship Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi delivered the verdict after a full trial at the Wa High Court. The judge found Elyasu Kunateh guilty of defilement and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour.
The conviction represents the culmination of months of diligent work by the Regional Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), which handled the case from the initial report through to the sentencing.
A Warning to Perpetrators
The Upper West Regional Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and pursuing all reported cases of child abuse, sexual offences, and gender-based violence.
In a statement, the Command assured the public that it will continue to pursue justice for victims and their families. The Police also encouraged parents, guardians, caregivers, and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of abuse to the nearest police facility.
The Importance of Reporting
This case highlights the critical importance of reporting abuse immediately. The victim’s mother acted swiftly, and her decision to report the incident to the Police enabled the authorities to apprehend the perpetrator and bring him to justice.
The Police have urged the public to follow this example and not hesitate to report any suspected cases of child abuse or sexual violence.
Police Secure 10-Year Jail Sentence: Protecting the Vulnerable
The case of the 7-year-old boy in Wa reminds us of children’s vulnerability. Therefore, we must all stay vigilant.
Furthermore, the Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons. Indeed, children are often the most at risk of abuse. Consequently, the Command has called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to play an active role in safeguarding children.
