ABANTU reacts to sexual assault in KNUST

Accra, Oct. 18, GNA - ABANTU for Development, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) on Tuesday added its voice to calls to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) authorities and the police to relentlessly investigate the alleged public sexual assault on the Hi-Pop singer, MZBEL in Kumasi.

Students of the College of Arts, KNUST, invited MZBEL to perform live at their Annual Week Celebration and while she was on stage many male students joined her there and in frenzy removed her clothes, and assaulted her.

An official statement issued in Accra and signed by Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutin, the Regional Programme Manager, congratulated other organisations and institutions, which condemned the incident. It also urged all national organisations and institutions to condemn the act to demonstrate their commitment to addressing acts of violence and discriminatory practices perpetuated against women. The statement asked government to expedite action on Women's Manifesto so that by 2008, Parliament would enact and fully implement specific laws and measures to promote and protect the rights of women and girls.

The government should also ensure that the Domestic Violence Bill is laid before Parliament and passed without amendments, which compromise its spirit, intent and purpose before the end of 2005.