July 14th, 2012
Some galamsey operators have impregnated about seven (7) school girls in the Gomoa Ajumako Township causing serious concern among the teachers in the area.
The teachers who spoke on condition of anonymity said they are very concerned about the attitude of most of the parents who fail to provide the basic necessities for their children; forcing the young girls to depend on the galamsey operators to provide them with both money for food and school fees.
A teacher at the Gomoa Ajumako D.A Basic School told our reporter Isaac Okyem that though teenage pregnancy is common in the area, some of the girls she and other teachers have spoken to claim that their parents are aware of their affairs with the galamsey operators and even endorse it because of the financial gains.
The teacher said five of her pupils are currently pregnant; two of them are in Classes 5 and 6 whilst five are also pregnant in JHS 1 and 2.
One teacher said she is becoming frustrated about the issue as most of the pregnant students are unable to study in school and doze off during classes, a situation they said dampen their spirit for teaching.
Another teacher said the trend is affecting teaching and learning adding that even when the bold and courageous ones return to the classroom, they are unable to function as they used to prior to their pregnancy and delivery.
The teachers called on the authorities to prosecute those galamsey men who impregnate the young girls.
They praised the Odikro of the town for his efforts at educating and motivating the young girls in the schools against teenage pregnancy adding that he has been the only one who has supported the students.
A gentleman at the school described the situation as chronic adding that in one instance a man impregnated three young girls.
In a related development, a 20-year old farmer, Alex Dagatti was on Wednesday remanded into Police custody by a circuit court in Cape Coast for allegedly raping a 67-year old woman at Assin Dompim in the Central Region.
His plea was not taken and is to reappear on Wednesday, July 25.
Prosecuting, Sergeant Charles Effah told the court presided over by Mr. Samuel Asare Nyarko that the complainant, Adwoa Fordjour, also a farmer was working on her farm on October 26th 2010 at about 1500 hours when the accused suddenly showed up and asked if she was alone.
He said immediately the complainant answered no, the accused brought out a kitchen knife and threatened to kill her if she shouted, after which he pushed her down and forcibly had sex with her.
Sergeant Effah added that Dagatti, after satisfying himself, ran away. When Adwoa Fordjour reached home, she reported the incident to the Unit Committee Chairman of the district assembly in the area.
He said the accused was nowhere to be found until December 11th that same year, when the complainant saw him at Assin Dompim and again reported him to the Unit Committee, who arrested him and handed him over to the Assin Fosu Police.
Sergeant Effah said the Assin Fosu Police issued a medical report form to the complainant to attend hospital while the accused was arraigned before the district assembly court and remanded.
Meanwhile, a copy of the docket which has been sent to the Attorney-General’s office for advice is yet to be received.
Similarly, a police Constable Justice Amoh stationed at Bongo in the Upper East Region, is alleged to have raped a teenage hearing impaired girl.
The Police Constable, who is currently locked up in Police cells at Bongo, was said to have committed the act on Tuesday at the Guest House of the Bongo District Assembly, where he temporary resides.
Narrating the incident to the Ghana News Agency, the Paramount Chief of Bongo, Naba Baba Salifu Aleemyarum, said the constable lured the victim on his motorbike with the intention of giving her a lift but took her to his abode.
He said while on the motorbike the victim wailed when she sensed danger that the constable was taking her beyond where she wanted to alight.
This drew the attention of some bystanders who later followed the Policeman and girl to his house. When they got to the house and forcefully broke into the room, they found out that the officer had succeeded in raping the girl who was naked and bleeding.
Naba Aleemyarum said the case was reported to him and he instructed the girl’s parents to report it at the Police Station where the victim was given a medical form to go for check-up.
When the GNA visited the Bongo Police Station, the constable was in cells, but could not talk to the District Police Commander because sources said he was indisposed.
Officers on duty refused to provide details on the matter but said they were given directive by the Upper East Regional Police Command to cause the arrest of the culprit.
At the Bongo District Hospital, authorities confirmed that the girl had been raped.
The timely intervention of the Paramount Chief saved the life of the constable whose house was besieged by irate youth who wanted to lynch him. Similar situation occurred at the police station before he was locked up.
SOURCE:Modernghana.com
