Parents of alleged Jinijini defilement victim appeal to Chief Justice to intervene

The parents of a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly defiled and impregnated at Jinijini in the Bono Region are appealing to the Chief Justice to intervene in the case.

They want the Chief Justice to take a personal interest in the matter, which is pending before the Berekum Circuit Court, to ensure that justice is served without further delay.

The accused person, Yaw Owusu, 40, is alleged to have defiled the girl, a JHS One student.

According to the victim’s father, Mr Abina Christopher, the family became aware of the matter after the girl was found to be pregnant.

He said the child later named Yaw Owusu as the person responsible.

Mr Christopher said the case was first called in February 2026, when the accused allegedly changed his plea from guilty to not guilty.

He claimed that since then, the matter has failed to make meaningful progress despite being called five consecutive times.

The victim’s father said the repeated delays had placed financial pressure on him, especially as a retired professional with limited means.

He alleged that the lack of progress may be deliberate and claimed the accused is politically connected within the Jinijini community.

At the court’s sitting on July 13, 2026, the Berekum Circuit Court judge, Cynthia Emefa Ohene, expressed concern over the absence of the prosecutor.

The judge reportedly said she was dissatisfied with the way the case was being handled.

She warned that if the prosecutor fails to appear on the next adjourned date, August 24, 2026, she may have no option but to strike out the case.

The victim’s mother, Maabia Francisca, 44, also appealed to the authorities to act.

She said the family only wants justice for their daughter.

The parents say the delay has deepened their distress and fear that the case may collapse if urgent steps are not taken.