Children protest against defilement of colleague 

Winneba (Central Region) 29 Nov. ’99

A large number of school children on Wednesday demonstrated at the yard of the Winneba community tribunal in solidarity with a 13-year-old colleague of the Winneba Anglican primary school who is alleged to have been defiled by a 37- year old man.

In a petition to the tribunal chairman copied to the press, Mr Frank Swanzy Essien, district director of education, said teachers and school children in the town were deeply disturbed about the situation hence the demonstration.

"We fervently appeal to your good offices to ensure that the law take its course and that fair trial and judgement is passed on the case."

He said they were also worried about the safety of the innocent child, and appealed for the suspect to be made to undergo an HIV test to determine the extent of harm caused to the girl.

Mr. Essien hoped that the tribunal would do all within its jurisdiction to avoid any intimidation by the relatives of the suspect.

According to Mr Essien, reports reaching his office indicate that already the poor girl is being harassed by some relations of the suspect whose name is being withheld.

Meanwhile the tribunal has remanded the suspect in prison custody until investigations have been completed.

Sources close to the police told the GNA that medical report indicates that the girl has been defiled.

GRi../