Child Rights Int. advocates justice for three-year-old girl abused in Winneba

The organisation says consistent enforcement of child protection laws is critical.

The Executive Director of Child Rights International, Bright Appiah, has called for swift justice in the case of a three-year-old girl who suffered severe abuse in Winneba.

He is urging authorities to strengthen the enforcement of child protection laws.

The victim sustained life-threatening injuries after her stepmother, identified only as Akaima, allegedly poured boiling water on her private parts as punishment for bedwetting. She is currently receiving emergency care at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, while the suspect remains at large.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Friday, September 19, which was followed closely by Today.com.gh, Appiah insisted that child abuse cases should not be treated as domestic matters.

“We should not just look at the abuse of children as a domestic issue. When there is an arrest or identification of such a matter, the right procedure must be followed so that those who commit such offences are dealt with properly,” he said.

He criticised the lack of consistent legal action against offenders, warning that it emboldens abusers. “In most cases, we don’t see any kind of action taken. So people think they can just do anything against a child and go scot-free. That, for me, is what is also giving them that kind of empowerment,” Appiah added.

Appiah stressed that failure to prosecute perpetrators sends a dangerous message to society. “People feel they can do whatever they want to do with children. That is why, for me, as a country, we should carefully look at it and see how best we can place children in the care of other people,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) has arrested the girl’s father as part of the investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend the stepmother.

Medical staff at the Winneba hospital say the child’s condition is critical and that reconstructive surgery will be required.