HUAPA DEFILEMENT CASE: FAMILY PUSHES GH¢20,000 SETTLEMENT, DOVVSU INSISTS ON PROSECUTION

A 14-year-old JHS 2 pupil of Huapa DA Basic School in the Shai Osudoku District has accused her teacher, Bismark Amedorgbor, of defiling her on July 23, 2026, during the school’s “Our Day” celebration. The teacher was arrested by the Akuse Police on September 11, 2026, and the case has been referred to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, DOVVSU, for investigation. Police say the teacher made an admission in his caution statement, although the allegation and any admission remain subject to determination by the court. The case has, however, divided the Huapa community, as some family and traditional leaders are pushing for an out-of-court settlement. At a meeting on September 25, led by the Huapa Chief, Nene Atseku Obodai Torgbor II, a proposal was made for GH¢5,000 to be used for rituals to cleanse the royal stool and GH¢15,000 paid as compensation to the family. The complainant, Michael Obodai, says the family would consider withdrawing the police case if the money is paid within three weeks. But DOVVSU maintains that defilement is a criminal offence and cannot be settled at home. The Unit says it will reject any attempt to withdraw the case. A medical report from the Ashaiman Municipal Hospital confirms that the victim had lost her virginity, although the report could not establish when the incident occurred because of the delay in conducting the examination. Other allegations have also emerged, including claims by some pupils that alcoholic drinks were present during the “Our Day” celebration and that the teacher supplied some of them. Classmates also allege that the victim became unwell and was taken to the teacher’s room on his instruction. The victim and her grandmother further allege that the teacher brought Postinor-2 the following day. There are also allegations that some pupils had been performing domestic chores, including washing and cooking for the teacher, since Class Five. The Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct prohibits sexual relations between teachers and pupils and also prohibits teachers from using pupils for private work. The Huapa community remains divided, with some calling for a family settlement while others are demanding that the matter be taken through the courts. Report by Osofoba Enoch – Eastern Region