A Circuit Court in Lawra in the Upper West Region has sentenced a 47-year-old man, Kwame Ti-Zaaelcuu, to 20 years in prison after finding him guilty of incest involving his 17-year-old biological daughter.
The court also sentenced him to an additional 10 years for threatening the life of the survivor. However, the two sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve a maximum of 20 years in hard labour.
The verdict was delivered on Friday, July 24, 2026, following a full trial presided over by His Honour Stanley Adjei.
Police investigation leads to conviction
The case came to light after a complaint was lodged with the Lawra District Police Command, prompting investigations into the allegations.
According to the Upper West Regional Police Command, the investigation established that the convict had sexually abused his daughter over an extended period.
The police further said the survivor, who was a Junior High School student, had allegedly been threatened with death if she disclosed the abuse to anyone.
Ti-Zaaelcuu was subsequently prosecuted and found guilty of incest and threat of death.
Beyond the prison sentence, the court directed the Department of Social Welfare in Lawra to provide the survivor with counselling and psychosocial support.
The directive is intended to ensure that the survivor receives appropriate assistance as she deals with the impact of the abuse.
The Upper West Regional Police Command commended the investigators and the prosecutor for what it described as their professionalism and commitment throughout the case, which resulted in the successful prosecution.
The police have used the case to encourage members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of sexual and domestic abuse.
The Command said timely reporting is essential to ensure that alleged perpetrators face the law while survivors can receive the necessary protection and support.
The conviction also highlights the importance of reporting abuse, particularly in cases where victims or survivors may be threatened or intimidated into silence.
