The Ark Foundation, Ghana has condemned the lynching of a 90-year-old woman in the East Gonja Municipality.
The woman identified as Akua Denteh was accused of witchcraft by a local fetish priestess. This incited the inhabitants of the community against her and culmilated in her gruesome murder.
According to the Ark Foundation, the barbaric incident “consists of several infractions of the legal and human rights of the deceased,” which include, the wrongful accusation of practicing of witchcraft, verbal abuse and intimidation, severe assault and battery, murder and the abetment of her murder by the inaction of bystanders.
“As an organization concerned with the safety and protection of women, The Ark Foundation calls on the Inspector General of Police to ensure swift action towards the apprehension of the direct perpetrators of the brutal act and the bystanders; and bring them before the law courts,” the Ark Foundation said in a press statement signed by the Executive Director of the organization, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, July 26.
They’re also calling upon the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to put more effort into the education of the public against human rights violations, “especially those that emanate from deep-seated negative cultural norms and practices, many of which undermine the protection of women’s rights in the country.”
“Violence against women no matter who perpetrated it is still a human right violation and must be treated as such,” the statement read.
They further called on traditional authorities and community leaders to act swiftly as law-abiding citizens and curb such incidents from happening within their communities.
“Traditional authorities and leaders should desist from shielding people who perpetrate such heinous and inhumane acts and report them to the police for the laws to take its cause,” they added.
The Ark Foundation finally called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and other relevant institutions to join forces to ensure that the crime is punished and done so swiftly.
Latest Stories
-
PenTrust CEO named ‘Best Pensions CEO’, company wins ‘Scheme Administrator Award’ at Ghana Accountancy & Finance Awards 2024
6 mins -
Alan Kyerematen’s ‘Brighter Future for Health Professionals’ in Ghana Revealed in Bono
16 mins -
NPP will ensure a safer cleaner and greener environment – Dr Kokofu
24 mins -
2024 Election: Police to deal with individuals who will cause trouble – IGP
25 mins -
Seychelles President’s visit rekindles historical and diplomatic ties with Ghana
31 mins -
Election 2024: EC destroys defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta regions
41 mins -
2024 Election: I am sad EC disqualified me, but I endorse CPP’s candidate – PNP’s Nabla
1 hour -
I want to build a modern, inclusive country anchored by systems and data – Bawumia to CSOs
1 hour -
Miss Health Ghana 2024: Kujori Esther Cachana crowned new Health Ambassador
1 hour -
Livestream: The manifesto debate on WASH and climate change
1 hour -
Alan Kyerematen saddened by NDC and NPP’s neglect of Krofrom Market in the Ashanti Region
1 hour -
CSIR Executive Director urges farmers to adopt technology for improved farming
2 hours -
Football Impact Africa’s Ghetto Love Initiative inspires change in Teshie
2 hours -
Peter Toobu calls for tighter border security over uncovered weapons at Tema Port
2 hours -
Gov’t has failed its commitment to IPPs – Ablakwa
2 hours