[cmsmasters_row data_shortcode_id=”oglebjq31d” data_padding_bottom_mobile_v=”0″ data_padding_top_mobile_v=”0″ data_padding_bottom_mobile_h=”0″ data_padding_top_mobile_h=”0″ data_padding_bottom_tablet=”0″ data_padding_top_tablet=”0″ data_padding_bottom_laptop=”0″ data_padding_top_laptop=”0″ data_padding_bottom_large=”0″ data_padding_top_large=”0″ data_padding_bottom=”50″ data_padding_top=”0″ data_bg_parallax_ratio=”0.5″ data_bg_size=”cover” data_bg_attachment=”scroll” data_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” data_bg_position=”top center” data_color=”default” data_bot_style=”default” data_top_style=”default” data_padding_right=”3″ data_padding_left=”3″ data_width=”boxed”][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/1″ data_shortcode_id=”mv9f6njju” data_animation_delay=”0″ data_border_style=”default” data_bg_size=”cover” data_bg_attachment=”scroll” data_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” data_bg_position=”top center”][cmsmasters_image align=”center” animation_delay=”0″ shortcode_id=”y8d80hsvdw”]https://crighana.org/wp-content/themes/children-charity/framework/admin/inc/img/image.png[/cmsmasters_image][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_row data_shortcode_id=”5epop77tf” data_padding_bottom_mobile_v=”0″ data_padding_top_mobile_v=”0″ data_padding_bottom_mobile_h=”0″ data_padding_top_mobile_h=”0″ data_padding_bottom_tablet=”0″ data_padding_top_tablet=”0″ data_padding_bottom_laptop=”0″ data_padding_top_laptop=”0″ data_padding_bottom_large=”0″ data_padding_top_large=”0″ data_padding_bottom=”50″ data_padding_top=”0″ data_bg_parallax_ratio=”0.5″ data_bg_size=”cover” data_bg_attachment=”scroll” data_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” data_bg_position=”top center” data_color=”default” data_bot_style=”default” data_top_style=”default” data_padding_right=”3″ data_padding_left=”3″ data_width=”boxed”][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/4″ data_shortcode_id=”fny88lzfai” data_animation_delay=”0″ data_border_style=”default” data_bg_size=”cover” data_bg_attachment=”scroll” data_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” data_bg_position=”top center”][/cmsmasters_column][cmsmasters_column data_shortcode_id=”gm53110d9l” data_width=”1/2″][cmsmasters_text shortcode_id=”0ojokve658″ animation_delay=”0″]
In the past few weeks, the country has been grief-stricken following the death of Major Maxwell Adam Mahama. His death has brought pain not just to his family, but the entire country. As an organization that advocates for the wellbeing of children, we deem it necessary to discuss mob injustice and its implications on victims especially children. Our investigation points to four major child protection issues during and after this cruel act.
Exposure of children in the media
The excessive exposure of the children of the late Major Maxwell Adam Mahama is an infringement on their dignity and privacy. This act on social media has sentenced the children to perpetual remembrance of what took place in this country on the 29th and 30th of May 2017. Sharing images of the incident as well as images of the children may give opportunities to some amoral persons to keep the footage and try to share with the children at a later time. Exposing these children in relation to the incident may affect their social interaction and access to their rights in future. In accordance with section 2 (2) of the 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.
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Our investigations reveal that some children in Denkyira Obuasi witnessed the lynching Major Maxwell Adam Mahama at the full glare of the community members who carried out the act. this has exposed the children to a high degree of violence which may 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 be imbibe fear in some children. It is important to know that this incident occurred at a time when children were preparing to write the Basic Education Certificate Exams and considering the nature of the incident and how the town was thrown into chaos, most children wrote the basic education certificate exams without soundness of mind. The incident and its aftermath makes it necessary to assess the impact of this incident on the emotional or psychological well being of children and must be taken through rehabilitation program where necessary.
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Our attention is 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 age 12. the justice system requires that the trial of persons between 12 and 18 be done within the juvenile justice system irrespective of the severity of the crime committed. Therefore we expect to see the trial of the 12-year old 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. In spite of the painful nature of this incident, justice must be served in accordance with the Juvenile Justice System where the rights of the child is respected, services provided and dignity upheld. If the child is found guilty, we expect systems to work for rehabilitation and reintegration.
As a result of this incident, parents have fled the community leaving their children unattended or in the care of guardians. It is important to note that such situations make children more vulnerable and expose them to all forms of abuse. Abandoned children loose access to their rights to education, healthcare, shelter and even protection. What is required in such circumstances is for the district assembly to provide services to ensure the care and protection of these children.
We take this opportunity to appreciate the state and Mr. president, H.E Akufo -Addo for setting up a fund for the care of the family (mother and the children). We also appreciate him for supporting the fund with GHC 50,000. We also commend former president John Dramani Mahama for committing to support the family.
This incident should be a wake up call for us as citizens to desist from mob injustice and to ensure that the privacy and wellbeing of children is a primary consideration in any situation. A cultured society breeds cultured children to advance positive course that will increase the greater good of society.
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