Drama in court … accused blames victim’s father for indecent assault
A 42-year-oldcar washer, Mr. Francis Agyei popularly called Shaba who is standing trial for alleged indecent assault of an 11-year-old school girl gave the people in the Accra Circuit Court ‘5’ good doses of laughter on Tuesday when he told the Court that it was rather the victim who attempted to kiss him.
He said that when he refused to accede to the victim’s advances, she told him (accused) that he was not a guy.
Hear him: “I did not touch her. She rather wanted to Kiss me and when I refused, she told me that I was not a guy,” thus drawing laughter from those in the courtroom.
But the victim (name withheld) vehemently denied Mr. Agyei’s assertion when she was cross-examined during a video conference.
She said that it was the accused who covered her mouth with a piece of cloth, dragged her to his room after she had finished easing herself in a toilet closed to his room, undressed her and inserted his finger into her vagina.
The accused had early on told the Court presided by Mrs. Christiana Cann in his cross-examination that, it was the father of the victim, Detective Sergeant Lawrence who inserted his finger into the vagina of his biological daughter when he traced and found her with Mr. Agyei, to ascertain whether the accused had slept with her.
“It is the man who “finger-printed” his daughter not me” he said, throwing the entire Courtroom into a “pool” of laughter.
Shaba is currently on a GH¢50,000.00 bail with three sureties, two to be justified.
He has, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge of indecent assault.
The prosecutor, Sergeant Opoku Aniagyei said that at about 12:30pm on July 20, 2021, at the Central Police Barracks in Accra, the accused removed the underwear and blouse of the victim and inserted his finger into her vagina.
He said that the victim, a class six pupil, was the biological daughter of the complainant, D/Sgt Lawrence Tettey, while the accused Mr. Francis Agyei, a car washer also lived in the same house with him.
He said that the victim on that fateful day went to their washroom to attend to call of nature when the accused who was within the facility, and in his boxer shorts held and dragged her to one of the rooms, removed her underwear and blouse, and inserted his finger into her vagina.
The prosecutor said that the complainant who was waiting for her daughter (victim) around the washroom made a follow up to the toilet to call her because she was keeping long.
Sgt. Aniagyei said that on reaching the washroom, the complainant saw only the skirt of the victim and decided to turn back but heard some voices in one of the rooms and knocked to find out those inside.
He said the accused responded and the complainant requested to know who was inside the room which he (accused) answered that he was alone.
Not satisfied with the answer, the complainant opened the door and saw the victim naked in the room. He arrested the accused to the Accra Central Police Station and lodged a complaint where a medical form was issued to him (complainant) to take the victim to the hospital for treatment.
By Castro Zangina-Tong
News
Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
News
First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
