News
Traumatised rape victim appeals for support
The 24-year-old young lady who boldly “divided” the penis of a rapist into two at Obuasi a couple of days ago, has appealed for psychological assistance following the traumatic event.
Ms Justina Donkor was allegedly raped by Mr Emmanuel Akron, an alleged armed robber who broke into her room at Abompe, a suburb of Obuasi in the Ashanti Region when she was fast asleep.
Akron is said to have forcibly removed the underwear of the victim and raped her in the process after which he robbed her.
Speaking to this reporter on phone on Tuesday, Ms Donkor said “the ordeal is having a toll on her and that she needs urgent medical attention.”
Ms Justina Donkor, who bit off the penis of a rapist, has appealed for psychological support, due to her traumatic condition.
An armed robber, Emmanuel Akron, broke into their house in Abompey New Site in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region and in the process removed the underwear to forcibly sleep with her, and later asked her to give him a ‘blow job’ to get an erection for another bout of sex.
“I can’t sleep, at times, I shout as though someone is chasing me, anytime I close my eyes, I feel like someone is chasing me with a knife, it is my mother who has been telling me no one is around, so I should keep calm,” she said.
The traumatised victim believes that relocating from the house and the very room the unfortunate incident happened would be better.
According to her, sleeping in the same room the incident happened had not been a comfortable experience to her.
“Any time I am walking, I feel like some people are trailing me, I have reported this to the police, my life is in danger, I don’t feel safe, I can die at anytime,” she remarked painfully.
It is for these reasons that she has appealed for psychological support, and relocation, because her pictures and videos in which she granted interviews are now in the public domain, and she fears friends of Emmanuel Akron may avenge anytime soon.
Justina, who is unemployed, revealed that she failed her English Language paper, and has registered to write NOV/DEC examination to better her grades to enable her to apply for recruitment into the Ghana Police or Military.
Unfortunately for her, the examinations starts on Monday with oral English, but with her condition, appearance in court, and also visits to the hospital for medial care, she had not been in any better position to learn.
The lady claimed she woke up to find the man holding a machete and pointing a locally manufactured pistol at her.
Mr Akron had earlier robbed her of an amount of GH¢550, her TV set and mobile phone.
According to her statement to the police, the rapist, with blood oozing from the wound after the incident, ran away leaving the TV set and her mobile phone behind.
She was rushed to Anglo Gold Ashanti (AGA) Hospital for treatment, and coincidentally, Mr Akron, who was bleeding later turned up there and told the nurses, he was rather attacked by armed robbers who bit off his penis, a story which didn’t add up for the medical staff of the hospital.
Unfortunately for him, Justina Donkor recognised him leading to his arrest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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
