Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi has cautioned traditional rulers against settling defilement and rape cases presented to them without referring the matter to the security agencies.
He said the settlement of such cases at the palaces of some chiefs, has become detrimental to victims, where suspects of the acts go unpunished.
He gave the warning when he addressed a durbar of chiefs and people of Agona Nyakrom to climax their annual Akwambo festival in the Agona West District of the Central Region.
According to him, the festival provides the opportunity for family reunion and facilitates interaction among community members for peaceful co-existence.
Daasebre Ewusi said it was about time state institutions such as the DomesticViolence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) and other security agencies are allowed to work.
The Omanhene said it is unlawful for chiefs to meddle in defilement and rape cases urging them to always refer such matters to the security agencies to handle.
He added that the National House of Chiefs, will not hesitate to apply severe sanctions against any chief who attempts to settle defilement and rape cases without referring the case to the Police or any of the security agencies to deal with the matter.
