The family of a 12-year-old teenager in Tamale is struggling to mobilize GHC800 to pay for the endorsement of a medical form at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH).
The child (name withheld) is alleged to have been sexually assaulted by a guy in his 30s identified by the family as Abdul Latif.
However, the amount involved in acquiring the medical examination form is a major impediment for the poor family to seek justice.
They are therefore appealing to government, civil society organizations and benevolent individuals to come to their aid.
The victim in an interview with the media narrated the suspect lured her into his room, forcefully had sex with her and threatened that she will die if she tells her family or any other person.
The helpless mother of the victim said the family may not get justice if they don’t pay the Doctor for the medical form.
She bemoaned that for two weeks now, the family has not been able to get help from anyone and the condition of the girl gets serious day by day.
According to her, the genital part of the teenager got swollen and the family suspected (Tahaga) which is nappy rashes, stating however that the doctor’s examination showed force penetration causing internal damage in the girl.
Meanwhile, this incident is among many other domestic violent cases in the country that victims have to incur cost in accessing healthcare and justice.
However, this is contrary to provisions of the constitution of Ghana and its subsidiary laws under the Domestic Violence Act 2007, Act 732.
Section 8(c) of the Act states that the police shall assist the victim to obtain medical treatment where necessary.
This has left many suspects of rape and defilement go unpunished and their victims continue to suffer the consequences.
Ghana also agreed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations and goal 16 requires the country to Guarantee Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; therefore, money should not be a hurdle in accessing justice.
