The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has strongly condemned the death of a five-year-old girl at Mim in the Asunafo North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable.
In a press statement issued on November 10, 2026, the Ministry said it had received with deep shock and sorrow reports of the death of the pupil of Mim M/A Basic School on the evening of November 8, 2026.
According to the Ministry, reports indicate that a disagreement between the child’s parents allegedly escalated into violence during which the girl was assaulted and fell heavily to the ground. The child reportedly died shortly after efforts were made to seek medical attention.
The Ministry extended its condolences to the bereaved family, the school community and residents of Mim, stressing that no child should lose their life in a place where they ought to be safest.
MoGCSP unequivocally condemned all forms of violence against children, emphasizing that domestic violence is not a private matter and that children must never be used as instruments or victims in disputes between adults.
The Ministry noted that the Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into the matter and that a suspect is currently in custody assisting with investigations. It commended the Ahafo Regional Police Command for its swift response and called for a thorough, transparent and speedy investigation to ensure that anyone found culpable is dealt with according to the law.
The statement further cited the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), the Domestic Violence Act (Act 732) and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) as relevant legal frameworks under which justice should be pursued.
MoGCSP also acknowledged reports alleging that a health facility in Mim declined to attend to the child. The Ministry welcomed a separate investigation into the allegation and urged health regulatory authorities to examine the matter thoroughly.
“Every child in a medical emergency is entitled to immediate, life-saving care and any lapse must be addressed,” the statement noted.
As part of its intervention, the Ministry said the Department of Social Welfare and the Domestic Violence Secretariat are collaborating with the Police and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) to ensure the case is followed through to its conclusion.
The Ministry added that social welfare officers have been deployed to the Asunafo North Municipality to provide psychosocial support to the bereaved family and assess the safety and well-being of any other children within the household.
It further disclosed that it is working with the Municipal Assembly, the Ghana Education Service and community leaders in Mim to provide counseling support where necessary.
The Ministry called on teachers, religious and traditional leaders, as well as members of the public, to report suspected cases of child abuse to the nearest police station, DOVVSU office or Social Welfare office, stressing that early reporting could save lives.
MoGCSP also appealed to the media and the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the deceased child and her family and to refrain from circulating images or details that could cause further distress or prejudice ongoing investigations.