LifeStyle of 2026-10-23

Dear GhanaWeb: I impregnated a 14-year-old girl and fled Ghana 13 years ago

Dear GhanaWeb, Thirteen years ago, I was living in a compound house when I met a young girl who lived with her mother in the room next to mine. She was about 14 then. She was beautiful, clever, cheerful, and always wanted to play with me. She called me uncle, and we became close because we saw each other almost every day. Unfortunately, I was an adult who failed to control myself. Instead of protecting this innocent girl, I took advantage of her innocence. What started as an inappropriate attraction eventually became a sexual relationship. With time, we became involved in ways that should never have happened between an adult man and a child. I didn't just give her attention. I also supported her financially and allowed her and her younger brother to spend time in my room and use my things. Because we were careful about what we were doing, nobody in the house suspected that anything inappropriate was happening between us. Everything changed when she became pregnant. She was still a child, and I knew that no one would accept what I had done to her. I was not even the first person to discover the pregnancy. A neighbour found out, and before long, people in the house began questioning her about who was responsible. Eventually, she mentioned my name, and everyone turned against me. The situation became serious, and I feared the consequences of my actions. Fortunately for me, my visa was almost ready at the time. That same night, before the police could arrive, I left the house. Nine days later, I left Ghana altogether. I escaped the situation, but I never found out what happened to the girl. I do not know whether she gave birth, whether the child survived, or how she managed to rebuild her life after what I put her through. I have spent years without knowing anything about her or the child she may have had. Today, I am 41 years old, and my life has changed considerably. I am doing well for myself, and I plan to return to Ghana soon. As that time approaches, I keep thinking about the girl I left behind and the possibility that I have a child somewhere in the country. I have been thinking about finding her, apologizing for what happened, and taking responsibility for the consequences of my actions. Part of me even wants to marry her and take her and the child abroad with me when I leave Ghana again. I know it may sound strange after all these years, but I feel there are things I left unresolved. However, I am also afraid of what might happen if I return. I do not know whether the family reported me to the police, whether a case was opened against me, or whether I am still wanted. I have no idea if my name is still on any police records. Should I return to Ghana and try to find the girl and the child, knowing I could face arrest, or should I seek legal advice first before making any move? What do I do now? FG/EB Gender Minister Receives Petition on Women’s Rights & Social Protection