A former Upper East Regional Minister, Madam Tangoba Abayage, has condemned security agencies, including the Upper East Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), for what she describes as a “despicable and unacceptable excuse” for failing to arrest a 47-year-old man, Sulley Fongo, who allegedly defiled two sisters aged four and seven in Bawku.
The Regional DOVVSU, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mariam Awemoni, explained to A1 Radio’s Moses Apiah that due to security concerns in Bawku, the unit has only one Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officer assigned to the area, and that the officer currently resides in Bolgatanga. This situation, the unit said, makes it difficult to effect an arrest.
But speaking on A1 Radio, Madam Abayage sharply criticized the explanation, describing it as weak and troubling—especially given the severity of the crime.
“From what I listened to, I’m told we don’t have CID in Bawku because of the security breakdown. That’s the weakest, meekest, and weirdest excuse anybody can give for not arresting the man,” she said.
The former diplomat argued that security agencies have always responded swiftly to volatile situations in Bawku and therefore should be able to handle a straightforward arrest, particularly when the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime.
“If there is any uprising right now in Bawku, the security won’t sit back. They will definitely go in. So why can’t we arrest one single person who has defiled two children—one four and one seven—and has admitted doing so?”
Madam Abayage said the rationale offered by authorities reflects a failure to prioritize the protection of vulnerable children.
“We are being told that because there is no CID in Bawku, we can’t arrest him. It’s despicable. I don’t accept that reason at all. Whatever the reasons are, they are not good enough for this man to still be walking scot-free.”
The incident has sparked deep public outrage, with many demanding swift justice for the victims.
Critics fear that the lack of action emboldens abusers and undermines public confidence in law enforcement in an area already plagued by insecurity.
Child-rights advocates are calling for immediate intervention from the Ghana Police Service headquarters to ensure the suspect is arrested and prosecuted, as well as the strengthening of security and social-protection systems for women and children in Bawku.
The case continues to raise pressing questions about the state’s commitment to protecting minors in conflict-prone communities.
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
