Minister wants Lamptey Mills stripped of National Award

Sena Akua Dansua

Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Sena Akua Dansua wants Mr. Enock Lamptey Mills, proprietor of the Great Lamptey Mills School stripped of his National Award for impregnating and later marrying a minor and pupil of the school.

By his action, Sena Dansua says Lamptey Mills has proven himself unworthy of the national honour and stripping him would serve a clear warning to all others to live above reproach.

“It will tell every Ghanaian that we should be careful in whatever position we find ourself especially if you've been given a national award, your conduct, your attitude, your behaviour should be exemplary otherwise you can be stripped of that national award,” she told Citi News.

The minister also wants police to reopen investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and impropriety against the proprietor because the ministry is not satisfied with what has happened so far and also in view of new allegations 'flooding' in from former students and others against Mr. Lamptey.

Lamptey Mills was first dragged to court on charges of marrying a minor and failing child support, however the case was withdrawn from court following the intervention of the girl's father for an out of court settlement.

But the minister says the state has a duty to the child and mother to seek their best interest and since the case is of national interest, the police would have to do a better job of investigating the case. Besides, several of Mr. Lamptey's accusers are ready to provide evidence.

She said the nation is on a crusade to fight anything (sexual, physical..) that inhibits the girl-child's ability to go to school and to be empowered and thus would encourage anyone with evidence to produce same.

The Minister also added that under no condition should a girl or woman be molested sexually and so it does not matter whether Mr. Lamptey Mills'accusers are minors or are of age.

Story by Isaac Yeboah/Myjoyonline