The Essential Services Committee of the Western Regional Coordinating Council recently expressed concern about the increasing trend of fathers sleeping with their daughters in the region. Shockingly, girls as young as 9-10 years old have been victimized by incestuous abuse from grandfathers, stepfathers, or uncles within their own families.
During their Second Meeting under the United Nations Joint Global Programme on Essential Services for Women and Girls Subject to Violence, the Committee Members discussed the need for strengthened and collaborative activities to reduce these disturbing numbers.
Mabel Araba Aikins, a member of the Committee and the Office of Attorney General, shared a case of father-to-daughter abuse and called for more efforts to hold accountable those responsible for such heinous acts. She also expressed disappointment in the lack of support from family members who should be key witnesses during trials.
Mrs. Faustina Awortwe, the Western Regional Director of the Department of Children, added that such cases of sexual abuse were leading to the birth of young prostitutes in communities. Children who had already been exposed to these abuses preferred engaging in prostitution for money instead of staying at home.
Other issues raised by the Committee included the need for proper documentation by doctors who examined victims of abuse, the cover-up games by families, and the erosion of traditional family values.
Ms. Setina Aboagye, the Western Regional Director of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service, emphasized the importance of engaging men to uphold the reproductive and sexual rights of their female counterparts and support their growth. She also called for shelters to protect and care for abused women.
Ms. Maribel Okine, the Western Regional Director of the Department of Gender, assured the Committee's commitment to cross-agency activism towards the protection of victims and survivors.
The Committee aims to facilitate discussions, follow-ups on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence activities, and educate victims to avoid further victimization. The committee will ensure that victims and survivors are protected from further harm.
HOT NOW: Pastor Caught Live On Tape Bathing A Pregnant Woman
