— CRI warns against interference by influential individuals
Presented by Bright Appiah
Child Rights International (CRI) is alarmed by the persistent practice of parents, guardians, and influential individuals such as chiefs, politicians, pastors, imams and traditional leaders, who continue to influence the out-of-court settlement of offences committed against children.
Reports received by CRI indicate that in about 90% of cases, individuals in positions of authority attempt to influence out-of-court settlements in matters that properly lay before the court.
Such actions undermine the rights of children to protection, dignity, identity and justice. Offences committed against children are not private family matters; they are crimes against the child and against the State. Attempting to settle these cases outside the formal justice system compromises accountability, weakens the rule of law and places children at further risk.
In many instances, parents and guardians find it extremely difficult to resist the directives or persuasion of these influential figures, because of the prominent roles they play in society. As a result, children often do not receive the justice and protection they deserve when cases are handled informally. This pressure frequently leads to the abandonment of due process, leaving children without justice and without the protection guaranteed under the law.
Justice plays a critical role, not only in accountability but also in healing. When abuse is left unaddressed or privately negotiated, the psychological impact on children can be profound and long-lasting. Feelings of betrayal, fear, shame, and powerlessness become additional harm to children and their families; it becomes dangerous when the child sees the wrongdoing have no consequences or the system cannot be trusted to deliver justice. Conversely, when the legal process is allowed to take its full course, it affirms the child’s worth, restores confidence in protection systems, and contributes meaningfully to emotional recovery.
CRI considers this trend deeply troubling. When criminal matters involving children are treated as private disputes, it not only denies victims justice but also emboldens perpetrators and exposes other children to risk.
For this reason, CRI will closely track such cases and will not hesitate to publicly name and shame individuals, regardless of their status, who interfere with the due process of the law.
Where circumstances require legal action, CRI will also pursue prosecution to ensure that no individual takes advantage of children with impunity. As an organisation committed to child protection, we will use every lawful means available to promote accountability.
Beyond prosecution, CRI highlights the critical importance of rehabilitation and maintenance, which must be viewed as essential components of child protection. CRI approaches rehabilitation from three key perspectives:
- The Victim: Children who experience abuse require structured psychological support, counselling, and ongoing care to address trauma and prevent long-term emotional harm. Justice strengthens the rehabilitation process by validating the child’s experience and reinforcing their sense of safety.
- The Perpetrator Above 18 Years: Adult offenders must face prosecution and, where convicted, serve appropriate sentences in accordance with the law. Sanctions, whether fines or imprisonment, serve both punitive and deterrent purposes, protecting other children from harm.
- The Perpetrator Below 18 Years: Where the offender is also a child, the law recognises the need for rehabilitation rather than purely punitive measures. Such children must undergo structured rehabilitation and behavioural correction programmes designed to facilitate reintegration into society. Interference in legal processes disrupts this pathway, preventing appropriate assessment, treatment, and supervision.
Any attempt to halt or divert formal proceedings denies both victims and young offenders the structured interventions necessary for healing, accountability, and reintegration.
CRI therefore states unequivocally that justice for children cannot be privatised, negotiated, or compromised, regardless of the status or influence of those involved. We will closely monitor cases where interference is alleged. Where necessary, CRI will publicly expose individuals who attempt to obstruct justice, irrespective of their position. In appropriate circumstances, we will also pursue legal action to ensure accountability.
Children deserve protection without exception. The enforcement of the law must remain impartial, consistent, and firm. No individual is above the law when the safety and dignity of a child are at stake.
Presented by Bright Appiah at a CHILD RIGHTS INTERNATIONAL (CRI) MEDIA ENGAGEMENT