By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), Aug. 12, GNA – Chief Superintendent Frank Nana Asomaning, the Kadjebi District Police Commander, has urged Ghanaians to report cases of incest, defilement and rape to the Police and other appropriate authorities for prompt action.
He said such acts were criminal offences that violated the rights and dignity of victims and should not be concealed or settled privately.
C/Supt. Asomaning made the call during a meeting of the Kadjebi District Child Protection Committee at Kadjebi in the Oti Region.
He said the Police needed timely and accurate information from parents, guardians, community members and other stakeholders to investigate such cases and ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice.
The District Police Commander said some victims, particularly children, were unable to speak for themselves and therefore depended on responsible adults to protect them and report abuses on their behalf.
He urged parents and guardians to take allegations of sexual abuse seriously and avoid settling such matters within families or communities, stressing that doing so could expose victims to further abuse.
C/Supt. Asomaning also encouraged community members to promptly alert the Police whenever they suspected that a child or vulnerable person was being sexually abused.
He said protecting children was a collective responsibility and required strong collaboration among the Police, traditional authorities, schools, parents, health workers, social welfare officers and other child protection stakeholders.
The Commander cautioned perpetrators and persons who aided or concealed such offences that the law would take its course when cases were reported and investigated.
He further urged parents to educate their children on personal safety, appropriate relationships and how to seek help whenever they felt threatened or uncomfortable.
C/Supt. Asomaning said the Police would continue to work with the Child Protection Committee and other stakeholders to strengthen child protection mechanisms in the district.
He appealed to members of the public to provide information on suspected cases to the Police to help create a safer environment for children.
Mr Innocent Komla Gavua, the Kadjebi District Coordinating Director, speaking at the meeting, called for collective support to protect children against violence, abuse and neglect, saying the State could not do it alone.
The Kadjebi District Child Protection Committee meeting brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the protection and welfare of children in the district.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo