NICHOLAS ARYEE & ORS VS THE REPUBLIC

This High Court appeal arises from summary convictions at the Circuit Court, Amasaman, of Nicholas Aryee (A1) and his father, Robert Nii Armartey (A2). The complainant, headmaster Atsu Afasunudzi, reported that his 15‑year‑old daughter, Dzidzor Happy Atsu, had been warned away from Nicholas but moved into Robert’s residence and later disclosed pregnancy. On 8 July 2021 Robert and church colleague Kingsford Korley brought Akpeteshie and Dubonnet drinks to the complainant as “knocking” for marriage to Nicholas; the complainant reported to Amasaman DOVSU and A1 and A2 were arrested and charged. After charges and facts were read in Ga, A1 and A2 pleaded guilty; the Circuit Court convicted and sentenced A1 to seven years for defilement and a fine for compulsion of marriage, and sentenced A2 to seven years for permitting defilement and a fine for abetment. On appeal, the High Court held there was no procedural error in accepting the pleas, no requirement to medically prove age before sentencing, and affirmed the sentences as within statutory limits, dismissing the appeal.