The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of a five-year-old girl following an alleged violent confrontation between her parents at Mim in the Ahafo Region.
The appeal comes as the father of the deceased remains in police custody, assisting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The girl, who attended Mim M/A Basic School, died on the evening of Sunday, November 8, after an altercation between her parents reportedly turned violent.
Police initially picked up both parents for questioning. However, the mother was released following preliminary investigations, while the father remains in custody. No formal charges had been announced as of the latest reports.
In a statement dated Tuesday, November 10, the Ministry said it was deeply saddened by the incident and urged investigators to establish the full circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
It also commended the Ahafo Regional Police Command for its response, while insisting that the investigation must be thorough, transparent and speedy.
The Ministry said the incident reinforced the need to protect children from violence within the home.
“No child should lose their life in a place they ought to be safest,” it stated.
It further warned that children must not become casualties of disagreements between adults.
“Violence in the home is not a private matter and children must never be used as instruments or victims in disputes between adults,” the statement said.
The incident reportedly occurred when a disagreement between the child’s parents escalated into a physical confrontation. Witnesses alleged that the father assaulted the girl and threw her towards her mother, after which she fell heavily to the ground.
Her mother reportedly sought emergency medical attention at Life-Care Hospital in Mim but alleged that the facility declined to attend to the child.
The Ministry has confirmed that a separate investigation has been opened into the alleged refusal of medical care.
It further stated that anyone found responsible for the child’s death must face the law, citing relevant provisions of the Children’s Act, Domestic Violence Act and Criminal Offences Act.
