The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, is calling for the review of the Children’s Act in order to prevent abuse against children. This comes after the alleged defilement of a 4-year-old at Assin Adadietem in the Central Region.
A 17-year-old is currently in the grips of the police for allegedly committing the crime. The suspect, who is also a minor, has been remanded into police custody after appearing before a court on Monday.
[contextly_sidebar id=”5Ftkf9xjJWvB9XngC9CY7nIS5CgstRoP”]According to the ministry, a mapping of community perception of child protection issues was conducted in 2010, and it has led to the development of the justice for children’s policy in 2015.
The study recommended a review of all existing legislation on children especially children in contact with the law.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Monday, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba, said in light of the study, the Gender Ministry will from October 31, 2017 embark on a review of child related legislation to prevent juvenile offenders, and also strengthen formal and community justice systems, and link them up to enhance access to justice and protection for children in conflict with the law.
“The ministry as a matter of urgency is working closely with various key members who are involved in this mission. The public information campaign on the socio economic repercussions of defilement in this country, will be addressed aggressively. This campaign will seek to raise awareness, and to encourage the general public to report cases of defilement and rape immediately to the police.”
Madam Otiko Djaba also stated that, it is about time stiffer punishment is given to perpetrators of rape and defilement.
“When harsher punishment is given to people who rape and defile children, it will go a long way to serve as a deterrent.”
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By: Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo/citifmonline.com/Ghana