Two jailed 14 years for defilement in disturbing 'money charm' case

The Jasikan Circuit Court has sentenced two men to seven years in prison. They were convicted for defiling a 15-year-old girl. This case highlights serious issues of sexual violence in rural Ghana.

The judge announced the verdict on May 23, 2025. The two men were found guilty of crimes against the minor.

Joseph Boateng, also known as Afriyie or Small Pepper, is 37 years old. Hashiru Zurukanini, known as Scare Them, is 27. Both were arrested by police in Kadjebi on May 22, 2025.

They faced charges of abetment and defilement. Police acted after receiving a report about the incident that day.

Joseph Boateng approached the girl while she fetched water. He promised her GHC 2000.00 to charm her. He then lured her to his house at Kadjebi Cocoa Market.

There, he made Hashiru have sex with her under false pretenses. They were taken to court the next day and sentenced to hard labor.

In the first quarter of 2024, DOVVSU recorded 1,438 defilement cases in Ghana. This case shows progress in judicial action but highlights the need for reforms. Protecting children from sexual predators remains urgent in Ghana's rural areas.