Tarkwa, (W/R) May 23, GNA- The Tarkwa Circuit Court, has recorded 44 defilement cases between July 2004 and May 2005 as against 24 recorded within the same period in 2003.

Mr John Ajet Nasam, the Presiding Judge, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview at Tarkwa on Monday, that defilement cases were increasing at an alarming rate despite the stiffer punishment that spans seven to 25 years imprisonment.

He said Tarkwa led with 10 cases, followed by Nsuta Wassa , five cases, Atieku and Enchi four cases each.

Sefwi Asawinso followed with three cases, Aboso and Wassa Akropong two cases each, while Asempaneye, Damang, Dadieso, Asankragua, Bonsaso, Sefwi Anyinabrem, Sefwi Bekwai, Huni-Valley, Prestea, Bogoso, Bibiani, Oseikojokrom, Samreboi and Ajoafua recorded a case each.

Mr Nasam attributed the problem to morale decadence in society and appealed to religious leaders to intervene to reverse the situation. He asked why men engage in such disgraceful acts as such the defilement of children as young as one and half years old.

Mr Nasam condemned the attitudes of some parents and witnesses who refused to appear in court to give evidence in respect of defilement cases thereby obstructing the course of justice.