Call for more correctional centres for minors

Trial of the four juvenile suspects in the gang-raping case of a female at Bantama in Kumasi has brought up the issue of separate correctional or remand centres for minors connected to criminal cases. 

The laws of Ghana require that minors involved in crime be treated differently from adults in similar situations such that there must be both Junior and Senior Correctional Homes or Borstal Homes. 

These should serve as state facilities responsible for reforming children convicted and committed to prison terms for the commission of crimes. 

Checks by GBC’s Nicholas Osei-Wusu have revealed that the only Remand Centre in the Ashanti Region was closed down in 2013, for lack of maintenance and since then, no serious effort has been made to restore the facility to serve its purpose. 

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Peace Council Most Rev. Professor Emmanuel Asante has asked parents to keep an eye on their girl child. 

He said the recent spate of gang rape leaves much to be desired and parents need to watch how their children socialize. 

He noted that gang rape in the Christian context is an abomination before God.  

Most Rev. Professor Asante said Ghanaians must make 2018 a good year by working hard, create peace and stop politicising issues.

Commenting on the issue, the Lead Pastor of the Cedar Mountain Chapel, Rev. Dr. Steve Wengam referred to gang rape as very unfortunate and a depiction of the extent to which society is degenerating. 

Rev. Dr. Wengam blamed society for failing to condemn and frown on immoral acts. He said it is also as a result of parental irresponsibility and a breakdown of traditional society. 

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