Ayisha Zakaria, a 24-year-old guardian, has allegedly inflicted burns on the private part and inner thighs of a seven-year-old girl for bedwetting.
Eyewitnesses said the suspect, a resident of Mamobi in the Ayawaso North Municipality, allegedly heated a metal object, suspected to be a spoon, and applied it to the victim’s private part as punishment.
The injuries drew the attention of school authorities, who followed up on the matter, which had initially been kept discreet.
Following community concern, the case was reported to the Nima Division of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), leading to the suspect’s arrest last Thursday.
However, the complainant, Sarki Musah Umar, a youth leader, withdrew the case on Monday after what he described as intense pressure from the victim’s family and community leaders.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, he said, “Financially I was incapable because I was the only one spending money from going to the hospital to the police station.”
Imam Abdul Razak Iddriss of the Hamburg Mosque in Mamobi, during a lecture on Monday, called on well-meaning Ghanaians to intervene and demanded justice for the child.
He criticised the police and community leaders for failing to protect the victim, stating, “No matter how poor you are, it is better to have your children closer to you and cater for them. Only a few children who grow up with guardians excel in life.”
The Imam disclosed that GH¢2,000 had been raised to support the victim’s medical care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
When contacted, DOVVSU at the Nima Division confirmed the case had been withdrawn but said they were monitoring the situation to ensure the child’s welfare.
Source: GNA
