Self-Styled Imam Jailed 10 Years for Defilement in Wa

A 42-year-old self-styled Imam, Ilyasu Konate, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour by the Wa High Court for defiling a 7-year-old boy. The court convicted him after a fast-tracked trial, describing the case as a clear example of someone abusing a position of trust. Konate lived in the same suburb of Kabenya as the victim and was well known to local families.

On January 17, 2026, Konate offered the young boy, his sister, and his own stepdaughter a ride on his motorbike. He took them to a secluded area behind a parked truck near the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council. There, he sexually abused the 7-year-old boy before the matter was reported to the police.

The trial was held in-camera to protect the child’s identity. The boy testified, a medical doctor confirmed the assault with evidence of trauma, and the child’s mother also gave evidence in court. Konate denied committing the act, claiming nothing happened, but the judge found him guilty based on the strong evidence presented.

Principal State Attorney Abdul Saeed Shakur said child molestation cases are increasing in the Upper West Region, often involving people close to the victims. He praised the judge’s detailed ruling and warned that authorities will deal firmly with all such offenders. The verdict has brought relief to the victim’s family.