A seven-year-old girl has suffered severe burns after her guardian, identified as 24-year-old Ayisha Zakaria, allegedly pressed a heated spoon on her private parts as punishment for bedwetting.
The disturbing incident, which occurred at Mamobi, has sparked outrage among residents and child rights advocates, with many calling for justice for the victim.
According to reports, the case was first brought to light after school authorities noticed the child’s absence and probed further. The matter was subsequently reported to the Nima Division of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), leading to the arrest of the suspect last Thursday.
However, the case took a dramatic turn when the complainant, youth leader Sarki Musah Umar, withdrew the lawsuit on Monday, citing pressure from the victim’s family and community leaders.
The victim’s mother, Salamatu, who has been separated from the child since her divorce, told Baina News that she has repeatedly demanded custody of her daughter but to no avail.
“I am pleading with anyone who can help me get my child back. I want justice to be served,” she said.
Her sister, Safura Issah, also recounted how the family initially attempted to handle the matter privately before it was taken to the police. She expressed disappointment over attempts by some community leaders to suppress the case.
Imam Abdul Razak condemned both the police and community leaders for failing to protect the child.
“There is no verse in the Quran that condones child abuse,” he stressed, adding that GHC 2,000 was raised to support the victim’s treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
He further urged the Zongo community to desist from settling such grave matters as “family issues” and instead allow justice to take its course.
Women and children’s rights activist, Hajia Zakiya, also expressed outrage, criticizing DOVVSU for allowing the case to be withdrawn.
“As of now, the child has run away, and we don’t know where she is. This is not the time to say ‘leave it to God.’ We need justice to be served,” she said.
Child abuse cases in Zongo communities, according to observers, are often compounded by poverty, broken homes, and cultural norms that discourage external intervention.
Community members and activists are now calling for stronger enforcement of child protection laws to safeguard vulnerable children from abuse.
Leave a Reply