Octogenarian in court for giving out daughter

An 84-year old security man accused of giving out his 17-year old daughter’s hand in marriage under compulsion has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court on Friday.

Mallam Gado, who is being held for attempting to commit crime to wit compulsion of marriage, has denied the offence.

The court presided over by Mrs. Rita Agyemang Budu admitted Gado to bail in the sum of GH?80,000.00, with two sureties, one to be justified.

He is to reappear on August 24.

Prosecuting, Inspector Kofi Atimbire said the victim (name withheld) is a Senior High Student, whilst Gado is the biological father of the victim and works at Pokuase as a security man.

Prosecution said Gado resides at Chantan with his wife, Barikisu Gado and the victim at Chantan in Accra. On July 29, this year, at about 14:30 hours, an informant told the Police that Gado was giving the victim out for marriage under duress.

Inspector Atimbire said the Police proceeded to Gado’s House and arrested him.

Prosecution said during investigation, Gado admitted that he had collected dowry, including money for the marriage between her daughter and one Yakubu. Gado, however, refused to disclose to the Police the whereabouts of Yakubu.

When the victim’s mother Barikisu was also invited by the Police she explained that once the victim’s father had agreed to the marriage, she had no choice than to support the decision.