A 14-year-old girl has tested positive for HIV after she was defiled by three men including a teacher, and a 36 year old man, Joseph Nyarko, a Pragia motorized tricycle rider in separate incidents in Somanya in Eastern region.
The Odumase Circuit court has convicted accused, Joseph Nyarko, to 20 years imprisonment while the two other suspects are at large.
Nyarko was convicted on his own plea of guilty.
Prosecution narrated to the court that the case was reported on May 29, 2026, by the victim’s father, 68-year-old insurance agent after he received information that another suspect, identified as Derrick and currently at large, had allegedly abducted his daughter and taken her to his room at Adjikpo, a suburb of Somanya.
The complainant rushed to the location but did not find the suspect.
He subsequently reported the matter to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), where the victim disclosed that Joseph Nyarko had also forcibly had unprotected sexual intercourse with her in 2024.
The victim further disclosed her former teacher also had unprotected sexual intercourse with her.
Joseph Nyarko was arrested on June 3, 2026, to assist with investigations.
According to the prosecution, further investigations at the Somanya Polyclinic established that the accused is a known HIV patient who had defaulted on his antiretroviral treatment for a prolonged period.
Police further alleged that investigations suggested he had been engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse with unsuspecting individuals.
Police filed an ex parte application at the Somanya District Court on June 12, 2026 to have access to the medical records of the accused which was granted.
Management of Somanya Polyclinic complied with the court order and released the medical records.
In his cautioned statement, Joseph Nyarko admitted having sexual intercourse with the victim in 2024 at his residence.
Following the completion of investigations, police charged and arraigned him.
The prosecution told the court that efforts are ongoing to arrest the two remaining suspects – Derrick, and the victim’s former class teacher – to assist with investigations and face prosecution.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh

