Human rights not-for-profit organization RISE-Ghana is calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of a 47-year-old man accused of repeatedly defiling two girls, ages 4 and 7, in Possum, a community in Bawku in Ghana’s Upper East Region.
In a statement issued Nov. 5, the organization expressed concern that despite official reports to the Bawku Divisional Police Command, the suspect—identified as Sulley Fongo—has not been arrested. The group said the failure of state institutions to act violates the country’s child-protection laws and undermines justice for the survivors.
The case was first reported by a journalist from A1 Radio, who also helped the children secure medical care. RISE-Ghana commended the journalist’s actions, describing them as an example of responsible media support for child protection.
Child sexual abuse and defilement are criminal offenses under Ghana’s Criminal Offenses Act of 1960 (Act 29). The Children’s Act of 1998 (Act 560) also guarantees the protection of children from all forms of abuse. The group emphasized that delays in enforcing the law contradict Ghana’s obligations under international conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
The mother of the victims, described as a widow, is reportedly facing pressure not to pursue the case. Meanwhile, the suspect allegedly continues to run a shop near a private school, which RISE-Ghana says puts other children at risk.
“Each day the state fails to arrest the perpetrator exposes more children to potential abuse and worsens the trauma of the survivors,” the organization said. The lack of enforcement, it added, erodes public confidence in the justice system and emboldens offenders.
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
