Parliamentary Human Rights Committee Demands Justice for 7-Year-Old Girl Brutally Tortured by Guardian

The Parliamentary Human Rights Committee has expressed deep outrage and condemnation over the horrifying torture of a seven-year-old girl in Kumawu, Ashanti Region, by her guardian, who allegedly pressed a hot spoon against her private parts, thighs, and buttocks as punishment for bed-wetting.

In an official statement signed by the Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim, the Committee described the act as barbaric, inhumane, and a gross violation of the fundamental human rights and dignity of the child. The statement noted that such cruelty represents one of the worst forms of child abuse and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

According to the Committee, the assault violates key provisions of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which guarantee every child the right to dignity, protection from torture and degrading treatment, and the right to a safe and nurturing environment. It further stated that no cultural belief, disciplinary measure, or domestic correction can justify the infliction of such physical and psychological harm on a child.

The Committee has called on the Ghana Police Service and the Department of Social Welfare to immediately investigate the matter and ensure that the perpetrator faces the full rigour of the law. It emphasized that justice must be swift and uncompromising to serve as a deterrent to others who engage in similar acts of cruelty.

Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim reaffirmed the Committee’s unwavering commitment to the protection of children and vulnerable persons across the country. He stated that the Human Rights Committee would closely monitor the case to ensure due process and accountability, while also supporting efforts to provide the young victim with medical and psychological assistance.

He urged the public to take an active stance against all forms of child abuse by promptly reporting such cases to the authorities. According to him, silence and fear only embolden abusers and contribute to the cycle of violence against children, which must be broken through collective vigilance and moral responsibility.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among Ghanaians, with civil society groups, human rights advocates, and the general public demanding immediate justice and stronger enforcement of child protection laws. Many have also renewed calls for intensified public education on child rights and responsible parenting to prevent similar acts in the future.

Authorities have confirmed that the victim is currently receiving medical treatment and counselling, while investigations are underway. The Department of Social Welfare has also stepped in to ensure the child’s full recovery and rehabilitation in a safe environment.

Hon. Ernest Yaw Anim stressed that Ghana must not only pursue justice in this particular case but also take proactive steps to strengthen national commitment to child protection and welfare. He insisted that the fight against child abuse must go beyond punishment to include prevention, awareness, and social accountability.

He concluded that this case must serve as a national awakening to reaffirm Ghana’s collective responsibility to protect every child from harm and uphold their inherent dignity as human beings. He noted that the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee will continue to champion this cause until every Ghanaian child is guaranteed safety, love, and respect.