Military officer in custody for allegedly raping 18-year-old girl in Bolgatanga

According to a report filed by citinewsroom.com, the incident occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Siim Lina Guest House, located in the community.

Describing the incident, the victim, whose name has been withheld, said the military officer proposed marriage to her upon his arrival at the guest house around 9 am.

She however recounted that she declined the offer without hesitation.

“He said he loves me and wants to marry me. So, I said I was not interested. He was following me, asking me questions that if somebody wants to wound me what I will do [because] no one is here. So, I told him that I would leave the fellow to God,” she narrated.

Furthermore, she added that the suspect brandished a pair of scissors, grabbed her hair and threatened to harm her if she resisted his attempts.

The suspect is also reported to have dragged her into one of the rooms in the guest house and defiled her. He proceeded to take pictures of her following the despicable act.

“Immediately I picked a bucket to water trees, he held my hair and pulled me and removed scissors and said if I joke, he will wound me here. So, I was sitting down quietly but he held my hair, pulled me to the other room, and rapped me. When he finished, he snapped my pictures. I was quiet and afraid because nobody was around,” she narrated as quoted by citinewsroom.com.

The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with residents calling for the relevant authorities to take action against the military officer.

Confirming the incident, the owner of the guest house, Paulina Adongo, said the victim raised an alarm, which led to the suspect being apprehended by concerned neighbours.

Meanwhile, military officers from the Abilba Barracks have taken the suspect into custody, and investigations are ongoing.