The police have arrested the 17-year-old boy who allegedly defiled a four-year-old girl at Assin Adadientem in the Central Region.

This follows pressure from civil society organsiations, the media, the public and the Inspector General of Police for the perpetrator to be arrested for further investigations into the matter.

Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, DSP Sheila Kesse Abayie Buckman, confirmed the arrest.

“The suspect is currently in police custody and police have also received the medical report on the examination of the victim. Investigation is still ongoing,” she said.

The incident sparked public outrage when it came to light that the perpetrator had been set free by the chief of the town because a local deity had declared him innocent. The chief has since denied the allegation.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has vowed to seek justice for the 4-year-old girl and her family.

Other civil society organisations like feminist group PepperDemMinistries has promised to help with the medical bills of the victim.