By Edward Acquah
Accra, Oct. 15, GNA – The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA-Ghana) has urged law enforcement and child protection authorities to urgently investigate allegations of domestic violence involving Nana Akua Addo and assess the safety of her children.
The Association said the investigation should establish the facts, protect the children from possible harm and ensure that the law took its course where offences were proven.
In a press statement copied the GNA, AWLA-Ghana expressed concern about reports and audio-visual materials circulating on social media concerning alleged domestic violence involving Nana Akua Addo, including “apparent violence” involving her children.
“While the facts and circumstances must be established through proper investigation and due process, we are unequivocal on one fundamental principle: violence against women and children is unacceptable”.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has assured the safety of the children involved and has promised to pursue the case to its logical conclusion.
The AWLA-Ghana called on the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations thoroughly, independently and expeditiously, while respecting the rights of all parties and the requirements of due process.
It said the safety and wellbeing of the children must remain paramount, urging authorities to take all necessary lawful measures to protect them from further harm where the circumstances warranted intervention.
“Marriage is not a licence for abuse. No woman should be expected to endure violence to preserve a marriage, protect a family’s reputation, or satisfy societal expectations of what a wife should tolerate,” the statement said.
The AWLA-Ghana also appealed to the public and media organisations to stop circulating or reproducing distressing videos and images involving the alleged incident, particularly those depicting children.
It said the children’s dignity, privacy and welfare must be protected, and their experiences should not become content for public consumption.
The Association encouraged women experiencing abuse to prioritise their safety, stressing that no woman should have to endure violence to maintain a marriage or preserve a home.
“As female lawyers, we will continue to speak when the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of women and girls are threatened,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Bertha Badu-Agyei/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Edward Acquah
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