Child Right International call for children's right protection

Accra, June 13, GNA - Child Right International (CRI), a child centred civil society organization, says the inhumane incident that claimed the life of Major Mahama has exposed children to a high degree of violence which may become traumatic for some in the future.

According to the Executive Director of CRI, Mr Bright Appiah, investigations conducted by CRI indicated that women and children were camped, and such act could affect them emotionally and psychologically, therefore the need for a rehabilitation programme.

The Executive Director was addressing the media in Accra on the need to protect children during conflict and violence situations.

The Late Major Maxwell Mahama, buried on June 9th 2017 was on May 29, a Monday morning lynched by residents of Denkyira-Obuasi while he was on his early morning jogging.

He was allegedly stoned and burnt by the youth of the area who mistook him for an armed robber.

Mr Bright Appiah, the Executive Director of CRI, said in accordance with section 2 (2) of the Children's Act 1998, all actions must be taken in the best interest of the children and therefore pleaded that the citizenry desisted from sharing the deceased children's and other children's images as it may have some repercussions on their future development.

Mr Appiah said: 'Exposing these children in relation to the incident may affect their social interaction and access to their rights in future.'

Commenting on the 12 year-old boy who allegedly took part in the lynching of the late Major Mahama, Mr Appiah called on the Juvenile Justice System to take charge of the trial.

'In spite of the painful nature of this incident, justice must be served in accordance with the Juvenile Justice System where the rights of the child are respected, services provided and dignity upheld,' he said.

Mr Appiah noted that, this was important as such situations make children more vulnerable and expose them to all forms of abuse.

He, however, commended President Nana Addo for setting up a fund for the care of the family and expressed appreciation to him for supporting the family with GHȼ50,000.00, adding that 'We also appreciate the former President Mahama for his commitment to support the family,' he said.

Mr Appiah also called on the stakeholders to protect the interest of children while he charged appropriate institutions to block any further interaction with children in the media.

GNA

By Elsie Appiah-Osei/Samira Larbie, GNA