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Forcing rapists to marry defiled victims not acceptable – Traditional leader
Nana Ogyedom Tetsewah I
Men who defile girl children should be reported to the police but not allow them to marry their victims to cover up their evil deeds.
According to the Osumpahen of Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Council, Nana Ogyedom Ama Tsetsewah I, giving such men the choice to make the young ones their wives is an endorsement of their actions which does not augur well for society.
In an interview with The Spectator on Tuesday which was the International Day of the Girl Child, she said the practice in some communities did not deter the culprits from the unfortunate act but rather encouraged them to continue their actions.
Nana Ogyedom Tetsewah I said children must feel free and safe to move about in their communities and be given the opportunity to enjoy their childhood instead of living in fear.
She said child marriage should never be a reward for children who had been defiled and become pregnant.
She said the theme of this year’s event ” Our Time is Now – Our Rights Our Future” was apt and stated that, what needed to be done was community vigilance to fish out those who defiled the girl-children because such persons were a threat to both the present and future generations who would be robbed of their chances to realise their dreams of becoming responsible citizens.
She said a number of girls had been forced to drop out of school as a result of pregnancy by the actions of unscrupulous men.
“Imagine marrying someone who forced to have sex with you and also is as old as your father or grandfather” she said.
She said that society’s commitment to the fight against child marriage was currently nothing to write home about therefore, and so there was the need for all and sundry to get on board and fight against this canker because girls must also be given an equal opportunity to lead.
The Osumpahen appealed to traditional, religious leaders and the Ghana Police Service to get actively involved in the education of the public against child marriage to promote the rights of the girl-child.
From DzifaTettehTay, Tema.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
