DEEB AKYAMPONG EXTRADITED FROM GHANA TO NORTHAMPTON FOR CHILD RAPE - 12 YEARS JAIL
In a case that has garnered significant attention, Ghanaian pop star Deeba Akyampong, who previously resided in Northampton, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after admitting to heinous crimes involving a young girl.The 35-year-old artist, known locally in Ghana as Deeba and famous for his hit song “Deeba,” was extradited from Ghana to the United Kingdom to face serious allegations of child sexual abuse.
The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between December 2004 and September 2008, during which Akyampong was residing in the UK.
The victim, a seven-year-old girl, was the focus of the charges, which detailed the defendant’s involvement in two counts of raping a child under the age of 13.
These allegations came to light after Akyampong had returned to Ghana, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest.
In January of this year, Ghanaian law enforcement officials apprehended Akyampong, and after a protracted legal process, he was successfully extradited back to the UK.
The extradition process was complex and involved cooperation between UK authorities, the Home Office, the British High Commission in Ghana, and the Ghanaian government, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in tackling serious crimes.
Deeba Akyampong appeared before Northampton Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the two counts of child rape.
The court sentenced him to two concurrent terms of 12 years each, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of the crimes and the impact on the young victim and her family.
Following his conviction, Akyampong was placed on the sex offender register, a standard procedure for individuals convicted of such offenses.
Northamptonshire Police confirmed that once he completes his sentence, he is expected to be deported from the UK, ending his stay in the country.
DC Lisa Miller, a representative from the police’s child protection team, expressed her support for the sentence, stating, “These offences involved a seven-year-old girl and have left her and her family devastated.
I am pleased Akyampong has been handed a substantial sentence that reflects the seriousness of what he did.” She also extended gratitude to the authorities involved in his extradition, praising the cooperation between UK and Ghanaian law enforcement agencies as an example of effective international partnership in the pursuit of justice.
