Kpando Child-Stealing Case: Stella Amedome Pleads Guilty; Court Adjourns Sentencing to August 3

Court orders pregnancy assessment before sentencing; accused remains in police custody pending final judgment

By Prosper Wise Amegbe

The child-stealing case that has gripped residents of Kpando and surrounding communities took another significant turn on Monday, 27 July 2026, when the accused, Stella Amedome, pleaded guilty to the charges brought against her before the Kpando Circuit Court.

The case, which has attracted widespread public attention since the disappearance and subsequent recovery of an eight-month-old child, came up for hearing following an earlier adjournment granted to allow the Police to complete investigations.

Proceedings were once again presided over by Her Honour Dzifa Amefinu Dina, who had earlier adjourned the matter to enable investigators to gather additional evidence.

Accused Pleads Guilty

Accused person, Stella Amedome

During Monday's proceedings, the court formally read the charge to the accused.

When asked whether she admitted or denied the allegations, Stella Amedome pleaded guilty before the court.

The presiding judge further questioned the accused to ascertain her mental condition before accepting the plea.

When asked whether she had ever suffered from any mental illness or had previously been declared mentally unstable, the accused answered in the negative. She, however, informed the court that she suffered a stroke approximately two years ago.

After satisfying itself that the accused understood the nature of the charge and had voluntarily admitted to the offence, the court proceeded with the matter.

Child Stealing Is a Serious Criminal Offence Under Ghanaian Law

The offence to which the accused pleaded guilty is provided for under Chapter Five (Kidnapping, Abduction and Similar Offences) of Ghana's Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Under Section 93 (Child-Stealing) of the Act:

"Whoever steals any person under fourteen years of age, whether with or without his consent, commits a second-degree felony."

The law further explains the offence under Section 94 (Definition of Child-Stealing), which provides that a person commits child stealing where he or she unlawfully takes or detains a child with the intention of depriving the parent, guardian, or any person lawfully entitled to the child's custody or possession.

In addition, Section 95 (Special Provisions as to Child-Stealing and Abduction) clarifies that it is not necessary to prove that the child resisted being taken or that the accused intended to permanently deprive the lawful guardian of the child. The offence is committed once the child is unlawfully taken or detained without the consent of the person legally entitled to the child's care or custody.

Child stealing is therefore treated as a serious offence under Ghanaian law because it directly affects the safety, welfare, and lawful custody of children.

Court Defers Sentencing

Although the accused pleaded guilty, the court did not immediately proceed to sentencing.

Instead, Her Honour Dzifa Amefinu Dina directed that a pregnancy assessment be conducted on the accused before sentence is pronounced.

The matter was therefore adjourned to Monday, 3 August 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its final judgment after receiving the medical report.

Kando Circuit Court Premises

Accused to Remain in Police Custody

During proceedings, the Chief Prosecutor informed the court that Kpando does not currently have a female prison facility.

He therefore requested that the accused remain in the custody of the Kpando Divisional Police Command pending the next court sitting, instead of being transferred to a female correctional facility outside the municipality.

The court granted the request.

Consequently, Stella Amedome will remain in police custody until Monday, 3 August 2026, when she is expected to reappear before the Kpando Circuit Court for sentencing.

Case Nears Conclusion

The latest proceedings mark another important stage in a case that has generated widespread concern across Kpando, Have-Ando, South Tongu, and other parts of the Volta Region.

Since the incident was first reported, the case has sparked discussions on child safety, parental vigilance in public places, and the importance of prompt cooperation between communities and the Ghana Police Service in responding to missing child cases.

With the accused having entered a guilty plea before the court, attention now turns to the sentencing hearing scheduled for Monday, 3 August 2026, when the court is expected to impose an appropriate sentence in accordance with the laws of Ghana.

Akpini News & Tours will continue to monitor proceedings and provide readers with accurate, balanced, and verified updates on this and other matters of public interest.

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Editor's Note

This report is based on proceedings observed by Akpini News & Tours at the Kpando Circuit Court on Monday, 27 July 2026. The accused, Stella Amedome, pleaded guilty to the charge before the court. Sentencing has been deferred to 3 August 2026 following a court-ordered pregnancy assessment. The legal references cited in this report are drawn from the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Sections 93, 94 and 95, which govern the offence of child stealing in Ghana.