Child Rights International, has hinted that the excessive exposure of children of the late Major Maxwell Mahama is an infringement on their dignity and privacy.
Investigations conducted by Child Rights International reveal that, exposing these children in relation to the incident could affect their social interaction and access to their rights in the future.
The Executive Director of Child Rights International Mr. Bright Appiah, addressing Journalist at a press conference in Accra, noted that sharing the images of the incident as well as images of the children could give opportunity to some amoral persons to keep the footage and later share with children.
“ In accordance with section 2(2) of children’s act 1998, all actions must be taken in the best interest of the child and therefore we plead that we desist from sharing of the children’s images as it may have some repercussions on their future development,” he stated.
According to him, their investigations also revealed that some children in Denkyire Obuasi witnessed the lynching of Major Maxwell Adam Mahama at the glare of community members who carried out the act.
This he said, has exposed the children to high degree of violence which could become traumatic or unforgettable for some children.
“Secondly, the manner in which investigations were conducted where women and children were camped while investigations took place could imbibe fear in some children.
More so, a result of the incident, parents have fled the community leaving their children unattended or in the care of guardians. According to him, such situations makes children loose access to their rights to education, healthcare, shelter and even protection.
It is important to know that this incident occurred at a time when these children were preparing to write the Basic Education Certificate Examinations and considering the nature of the incident and the town was thrown into chaos, most children wrote the exams without a sound mind,” he pointed out
The incident and its aftermath makes it necessary to access the impact on the emotional or psychological wellbeing of children; and must be taken through rehabilitation programme when necessary.
According to Mr. Bright Appiah, their attention was also drawn to the arrest of a 12-year old boy who allegedly partook in the murder of the late Major Maxwell Adam Mahama.
“In our criminal justice system, a child is responsible for criminal conduct at the age of 12, the justice system requires that the trial of persons between 12 and 18 should done within the juvenile system irrespective of the severity of the crime committed.
Therefore, we expect to see the trial of the 12-year boy in the juvenile justice system. However, our investigation cannot locate the whereabouts of this particular child although he has been arrested for more than 4 days,” he noted
However, he advised all and sundry to desist from mob injustice and also ensure the wellbeing of children in the country.
Child Rights International, therefore entreated the district to endeavour provide services to ensure the well-being of the children. Child Rights International is an organization that advocates for the wellbeing of children.
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(Via: Ghana/Accra News)
