Stop handling child  abuse cases in palaces  - Chief Justice advises chiefs

Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah and the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyor Agyemang Badu, have warned chiefs against handling child abuse and gender-based violence cases in their traditional palaces. According to the two, such cases should be referred to the court for leagal action to be taken.

They made the call at the inauguration of one of ten child-friendly gender-based violence courts in the country at Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region.

Ghana’s Judiciary service with support from UNICEF and the Danish Government has created ten gender-based Violence courts aimed at addressing the needs of especially women and children. 

The gender-based violence courts are to make the courts less daunting for children and facilitate access to Justice.

The court refurbished by UNICEF and has a child testifying and children rooms, playing rooms with books and toys to meet desirable standards. 

The inauguration of the Dormaa Ahenkro gender-based violence court was witnessed by officials of the Judiciary, the Dormaa Traditional Council, the Dormaa municipal assembly, school children and the public. 

Addressing the gathering the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah warned chiefs not to meddle in child abuse cases.

The Dormaahene in brief comments also cautioned his sub chiefs against interfering in matters of defilement and other gender-based violence, adding that they can face destoolment. 

A Representative of UNICEF and a child protection specialist, Hilda Mensah, stressed the importance of making the court system child-friendly to ease access to justice for the most vulnerable.

The Chief Justice was joined by the Dormaahene to cut a tape to open the refurbished Dormaa Circuit court now designated a child-friendly gender-based violence court.

Freeman Kroyekpor