Obinim’s ‘disgraceful’ flogging violated constitution – Lawyer Sosu

Human rights lawyer, Francis Xavier Sosu, has condemned Bishop Daniel Obinim for publicly whipping of two teenagers, a boy aged 16 and girl a aged 14, in his church for alleged fornication.

Mr. Sosu described the act as “unacceptable” and “disgraceful” saying it violated Article 15 of Ghana's constitution which deals with the respect for human dignity.

“It is completely shocking that we could still have people like Bishop Obinim subjecting our brothers and sisters who are members of his church to such degrading punishment which clearly violates Article 15 of the 1992 constitution,” he said to Citi News.

The controversial preacher's conduct made headlines after a video went viral on social media showing the beating which took place before his congregation of hundreds.

The two teenagers are said to be wards of the Bishop and he said he was only disciplining them out of love as the bible commanded.

Responding to critics, Bishop Obinim also described some Ghanaians as  hypocrites   for judging him saying some of them would have done same and even more.

But Lawyer Sosu stated that “you cannot bring someone before a congregation bare-chested with a belt and start whipping him in the glare of the congregation on the allegation the he has impregnated somebody.”

“Ghana has an obligation to respect and observe all the human rights provisions including the protection of the dignity of its citizens,” he also said.

 Obinim reported to DOVVSU
This obligation will be realised as the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has filed a complaint against bishop Obinim, at the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service.

Nana Oye-Lithur, Minister for Gender and Social Protection

A statement from the Gender Minister, Nana Oye Lithur, said that the Ministry “has reported Pastor Obinim of the International Godsway Church to the Accra Regional DOVVSU Office for investigation.”

The police has also told Citi News'  they are  looking into the matter  which, if confirmed, would constitute a breach of the victims' rights.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana