Women Demonstrate Over Serial Murders

ACCRA, Ghana (PANA) - Hundreds of women Monday carried out a peaceful sit down demonstration at the police headquarters in Accra to pressurise the government and the security agencies to take more pragmatic action to deal with the suspected serial killing of women.

Clad in mourning cloths and red bands, the women chanted dirges, war songs and wailed as they milled along the main road in front of the police headquarters, thereby causing a slow down of traffic on the Ring Road.

They held placards some of which read: 'Stop Killing or No Vote', 'Wake Up', (interior minister) 'Okaija or War' and 'If the Killings Don't Stop, No Vote for Any Party.'

The women said they would follow this with a sit-down strike in their homes, offices, and marketplaces.

"We will not cook, work, participate in any kind of activity for the day. Without food, the men will join us in our fight against these heinous killings," they added.

According to the women, if the mystery surrounding these killings is not unravelled, and the perpetrators brought to book on time, they will back their action with fasting and prayers to seek the face of God on the issue.

The women called on government to supply them with protective gadgets, like "pepper sprays" to scare off their attackers.

At least 25 women have been killed in what is being suspected to be serial murders in about two years.

The public has been angry because nobody has been prosecuted so far for the crime.

Peter Nanfuri, the inspector general of police, in an interaction, commended the women for their courage and initiative and reiterated the call on them to be more cautious and to go about their daily activities.

He said the police have already arrested many suspects in connection with the murders have been arrested but have not been prosecuted due to lack of evidence from the public.

Nanfuri also called on the women to be patient and have trust in the police, saying they should not fear but rather co- operate with the force to come out with more in-depth findings.

"We are there to protect you as you are already aware, and we are doing everything possible to arrest and prosecute the culprits," he assured.