Mason, 58, jailed 10 years for impregnating 17-year-old daughter

The Kwabenya Circuit Court has sentenced a 58-year-old mason to 10 years’ imprisonment for having sex with his daughter.

Joshua Bledi got his 17-year-old daughter pregnant, who has now given birth. The baby is seven months old.

Charged with incest, Bledi pleaded guilty.

He appealed to the court for leniency, acknowledging the accuracy of the prosecution’s narration. The court subsequently convicted Bledi based on his plea and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment, taking into account his age, premeditation, and the fact that he did not waste the court’s time by entering a guilty plea.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Gershon Togbe Achondo, informed the court that such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent.

Chief Inspector Achondo requested that the court impose a severe sentence to deter others with similar intentions, as the offense was a cultural abomination.

Chief Inspector Achondo stated that the complainant worked as a social welfare officer at the Ga East Hospital.

The victim is a 17-year-old apprentice hairdresser with a seven-month-old baby.

Prosecution stated that Bledi, a resident of Musuku, Kwabenya in Accra, is the victim’s father.

The investigation revealed that the victim visited the Ga East Hospital for delivery but encountered difficulties with settling her medical bills, the court was informed.

The prosecution stated that the hospital’s Social Welfare Department intervened, resulting in the waiver of her bills.

An investigation was undertaken to determine the identity of the individual who had impregnated the victim, and she disclosed to the complainant that Bledi was the responsible party.

Prosecution stated that the victim further asserted that the accused had been engaging in frequent sexual intercourse with her since her mother requested that she reside with him.

A report was filed with the Kwabenya Domestic Violence and Victims’ Support Unit, and a police medical report was issued, ultimately leading to the accused’s arrest.

Meanwhile, the GNA has found that the Abuse Relief Corps, a nonprofit organization, has offered support to the victim and her child.