THE Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has called for a thorough investigation into the death of a five-year-old girl at Mim in the Ahafo Region, following an alleged assault during a domestic dispute.
It condemned the incident and called for anyone found culpable to be dealt with in accordance with the law, while also urging investigations into allegations that a health facility in the area refused to provide medical attention to the child.
A statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the ministry said the girl, a pupil of Mim M/A Basic School in the Asunafo North Municipality, died on Sunday, November 8, after she was allegedly assaulted and fell heavily to the ground.
According to the statement, the incident followed a disagreement between the child’s parents which escalated into violence. The girl reportedly died shortly after efforts were made to seek medical care.
The ministry extended its condolences to the bereaved family, the school community and residents of Mim, stressing that no child should lose her life in circumstances where she ought to be safest.
It unreservedly condemned all forms of violence against children, emphasising that violence in the home was not a private matter and that children must never become victims of disputes between adults.
The ministry noted that the Ghana Police Service had commenced investigations, with a suspect in custody assisting with the process.
It commended the Ahafo Regional Police Command for its prompt action and urged the police to ensure a thorough, transparent and speedy investigation.
It further called for the application of the relevant laws, including the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732), and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), against anyone found culpable.
The ministry also called on health regulatory authorities to investigate allegations that a health facility in Mim refused to attend to the child, stressing that every child was entitled to immediate medical care in an emergency.
It said it was working with the police, DOVVSU, the Municipal Assembly, the Ghana Education Service and community leaders to monitor the case, provide psychosocial and counselling support to the family, and assess the safety of other children in the household.
It provided the Orange Support Centre toll-free line, 0800-111-222, DOVVSU hotline, 055 1000 900, and police emergency numbers 191 and 18555 for reporting such cases. Reports could also be made through the Domestic Violence Secretariat’s WhatsApp number, 0551757575.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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