Accra, Ghana – June 5, 2024 – Former Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Cynthia Mamle Morrison, has urgently called for the relocation and comprehensive support of a minor allegedly defiled by her father, a serving police officer. The case, which reportedly began when the child visited her father in Garu after years of absence, highlights critical issues of child protection, victim support, and institutional response to gender-based violence.
Calls for Immediate Protective Measures
Morrison emphasized that the immediate priority is the safety and well-being of the young victim. “We need to relocate the girl to the safest place,” she stated during an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem. She stressed that the child’s welfare, education, and overall recovery must be paramount.
DOVVSU’s Crucial Role
The former minister highlighted the integral role of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in handling such sensitive cases involving minors. “DOVVSU is under the police and the Ministry of Gender, and I believe once she is a minor, they will know what is going on,” Morrison explained. This underscores the importance of specialized units within law enforcement and social services to address child abuse effectively.
Trauma and Healing for Victim and Mother
Beyond immediate safety, Morrison also advocated for essential psychological support for both the child and her mother. “The woman also needs counselling, just as the girl,” she noted, recognizing the profound trauma experienced by the entire family. Access to professional counseling services is vital for their long-term healing and recovery from the alleged abuse.
Background of the Alleged Abuse
The alleged abuse reportedly commenced during the child’s first visit to her father in Garu, a reunion after years of separation. According to the mother’s account, the father allegedly forced himself on the daughter during this initial visit.
Medical Findings and Health Concerns
Further compounding the tragedy, the child reportedly underwent a medical examination at an undisclosed hospital. The examination revealed that the victim was diagnosed with HIV. This medical finding adds a critical layer of health concern and necessitates specialized medical care alongside psychological support.
Broader Implications for Child Protection
This deeply disturbing case brings to the forefront the persistent challenges in protecting vulnerable children, even within family structures and from individuals in positions of authority. The alleged involvement of a police officer raises questions about accountability and the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
The coming weeks will be crucial in observing the effectiveness of the state’s response in ensuring the victim’s relocation to a secure environment, the thorough investigation into the allegations, and the provision of sustained medical and psychological care. Continued public and institutional pressure will be key to ensuring justice for the child and preventing future occurrences of such heinous crimes. The case also serves as a stark reminder for ongoing public discourse and policy review on child protection laws and their enforcement in Ghana.
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