The Social Welfare Department in the Bawku Municipality has come under scrutiny over its alleged failure to cooperate with a local civil society group seeking support for two young survivors of sexual abuse.
The Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), an advocacy-based group, says repeated attempts to obtain critical documentation from the department have been unsuccessful, nearly four weeks after the case was first reported.
The case involves two siblings, aged four and seven, who were allegedly defiled by a 47-year-old man identified as Sulley Fongo.
The incident, which sparked public concern following earlier reportage by A1 Radio, has highlighted systemic gaps in child protection and victim support in the area.
According to WOM, the delay centers on a “case management form,” a key document required to formally record survivors’ details and facilitate access to medical, psychosocial, and legal support services. Without it, the organization says it cannot proceed with a structured intervention for the children.
Elizabeth Anafo, a representative of WOM, told A1 Radio that their engagement with the Social Welfare Department has been frustrating and unproductive.
“You will call them several times, and they will either not answer or not respond at all. If you go there, they will tell you their Head of Department is not around. And when you finally reach her, she tells you, ‘Bawku is not like other places,’ and does not provide the information,” she said.
She stressed that her organization is only requesting the completion of official documentation to enable them to step in.
“All that we need is the case management form of the little girls so we can support them. Yet, this is what we are confronting,” she added.
The issue first gained attention after reports emerged that relatives of the alleged perpetrator had offered money to the victims’ family to cover medical expenses, raising concerns about possible interference in the pursuit of justice and proper care.
Despite more than six weeks of follow-ups since the initial report, WOM maintains that the only outstanding requirement is the form, which must be completed by the Social Welfare Department.
When contacted by A1 Radio, the Head of Department, Madam Theresa Akugri, acknowledged the delay and apologized for the situation.
“I think I do apologize to the representative of WOM. The reason we are delaying is that I lost my dad, and I am the firstborn, so the pressure is too much at home. But I promise that next week they will hear from me. I will submit the case management form,” she said.
Madam Akugri further explained that she has personally been handling the case since it was first reported and therefore could not delegate it to a subordinate officer. She assured that the department remains committed to ensuring that the necessary support is provided to the survivors.
Meanwhile, the alleged perpetrator, Sulley Fongo, is reportedly still at large, raising further concerns about accountability and the pace of justice.
The family of the victims continues to face significant hardship. Their mother, who lost her husband two years ago after a prolonged illness, is struggling to care for her children without a stable income or external support.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
