News
Father arrested over alleged sexual exploitation of 16-yr-old daughter
The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service at Tokor has arrested a 44-year-old man, Mr Raymond Ledi, over allegations of sexually exploiting his 16-year-old daughter in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.
The suspect, a native of Nogokpo, was arrested following a formal complaint lodged by the Ketu South Municipal Department of Social Welfare after the victim disclosed her ordeal to a teacher.
Mr Nurudeen Dawdi, the Social Development Officer at the Department, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that preliminary information indicated the alleged abuse began when the victim was about 10 years old.
He said the victim alleged that her father subjected her to repeated sexual exploitation over the years, including facilitating sexual encounters involving other men.
The incidents were said to have occurred in their single-room apartment, with the suspect allegedly present, he said.
Mr Dawdi said the victim further alleged that she was threatened against reporting the abuse.
“She indicated that she had earlier confided in her mother, who resides in Koforidua, but she did not believe her,” he said.
He added that the victim could not quantify the number of persons allegedly involved but reported multiple incidents over the period.
Mr Dawdi said the case came to light after the victim informed a teacher that her father had refused to pay her examination fees following her refusal to comply with his demands.
The teacher subsequently reported the matter to the Ketu South Municipal Girl Child Education Officer, Madam Cecilia Dokli, who referred the case to the Social Welfare Department.
The Department later lodged a complaint with DOVVSU, leading to the arrest of the suspect and four other persons to assist with investigations.
The case has heightened concern among residents, with calls for thorough investigations and justice for the victim. –GNA
News
GES directs Ashanti Regional, Obuasi Municipal Education Directors to step aside over Obuasi SHTS scandal
The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr. William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect.
The directive forms part of ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Mr. Zakaria Abdulai.
According to GES, the decision is intended to ensure that the investigations proceed without potential interference, nor the perception of it.
The two directors are to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr. Thomas Kwame Boateng.
Management added that the headmaster, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, also remains interdicted and therefore urged the public to ignore any news circulating that he has been cleared.
Management is calling for calm, support and cooperation as thorough investigations into the matter continue.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has joined the family of the late Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday, the Ghanaian community in the UK, and other dignitaries for a memorial service in Southwark, UK.
In a post, Mr. Ablakwa described the service as deeply moving and unforgettable, held in honour of the late professor’s memory.
According to him, in keeping with the government’s pledge, he joined the family, Ghana’s High Commissioner to London, British MPs, Ministers, the Mayor of London, Cambridge scholars, Prof. Arday’s students and loved ones to pay respects and honour his inspiring legacy.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that Prof. Arday’s accomplishments as the youngest Black professor appointed at the University of Cambridge and his widely appreciated charitable contributions will continue to inspire generations.
“The Government and People of Ghana will continue to stand by our compatriots everywhere they are in the world. As we do so, we profess our commitment to justice, equality and the creation of a new world,” he said.
He prayed for fortitude for the family in what he described as an extraordinarily difficult time.
“We shall always remember Prof. Arday for his response when asked what he will wish to do to change the world: ‘I would take a thread and a needle, and I’d interweave love into our society’,” Mr. Ablakwa added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
