A group of concerned residents in the Bawku Municipality have petitioned Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Gender Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey to intervene in what they describe as a “disturbing wave of child sexual abuse” allegedly being perpetrated by one Mr. Sulley Fonko, identified in a recent investigative documentary by A1 Radio’s Moses Apiah.
The petition, signed by Tabitha Apegyine Ayillah, leader of the Pink Alert Group, and several residents, calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect, whom they accuse of causing “severe emotional and psychological harm to several children” in the municipality.
“We… express our deep concern and distress over the continuous and alarming acts of child sexual abuse being committed by an individual known to be a paedophile operating within the Bawku municipality,” the petition reads.
According to the petitioners, several informal complaints have been made to authorities without decisive action, a situation they say has “emboldened him to continue these despicable acts.”
“Parents and guardians have made several informal complaints and reports, yet justice has not been served. The failure to act swiftly has emboldened him to continue these despicable acts,” the document stressed.
The residents have, therefore, appealed directly to the Vice President and the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure swift intervention. They also copied the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Regional Police Commander (Upper East Region), Municipal Chief Executive for Bawku, Department of Social Welfare, and DOVVSU (Bawku Division).
The petition outlines four key demands, including an immediate and thorough investigation by the Ghana Police Service through DOVVSU, the arrest and prosecution of the suspect under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), and comprehensive support for victims and their families.
“The victims and their families [must] be given psychological, medical and legal support through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Department of Social Welfare,” the group appealed.
They further urged authorities to issue public assurances to the people of Bawku that child protection remains a national priority.
“We believe that the protection of children is a sacred duty and a national priority. The people of Bawku look up to your leadership to ensure justice, restore safety, and send a strong message that the rights and dignity of Ghanaian children will never be compromised,” the petition concluded.
