By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Kasseh, Dec. 05, GNA – The Divine Torch Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation has called on national and community leaders to treat defilement and all forms of abuses against minors as criminal offences, rather than family matters.
The organisation said such an approach was necessary to protect the dignity, freedom, and rights of vulnerable children.
The Foundation stated that allowing the law to take its full course, did not amount to betraying community members, rather, ensured justice and safeguard for the next generation.
Madam Louisa Atta Akpoto, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
She explained that many women had lost their dignity and confidence because of the abuses they suffered during their childhood.
Again, several individuals had lost trust in traditional systems because of the continued shielding of offenders by some traditional authorities, she stated.
Madam Akpoto stressed that chiefs, the clergy, assembly members and opinion leaders were entrusted with the responsibility of protecting society and must therefore allow the law to deal with offenders instead of resolving such cases at home or through traditional structures.
She urged communities to report such incidents promptly to protect the future of children.
Madam Akpoto advised parents to build open and trusting relationships with their children and discuss issues related to sex and personal safety with them as they grow, as, she said when parents fail to guide their children, others might step in with misleading or harmful information.
She encouraged young girls to speak up and report any act that undermines their dignity, pride or confidence.
“Many children fear to open up because culprits often warn them not to tell anyone and sometimes make them swear,” she said, adding that such threats instill fear in victims, causing them to remain silent until it is too late.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Sawer/ Christabel Addo