MOWAC expresses concern about the assault on a widow

Accra, Aug. 2, GNA - The Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC) on Tuesday called on the Asiakwa Police to conduct thorough investigations into the alleged assault on a widow to ensure that all those found culpable faced the law.

“As much as our custom and tradition must be respected, it is unacceptable that a widow, who is grieving over the loss of her husband, will further face such humiliation and abuse of her human rights,” the Ministry said in a statement issued in Accra.

It noted with great concern, a report in the “Daily Guide” newspaper of August 2, 2011 about the alleged beating of Madam Afua Yeboah, widow of the late Daasebre Kofi Agyeman III, Nifahene of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area and Chief of Asiakwa in the Eastern Region.

Madam Yeboah, according to the report, was allegedly beaten by some family members when she resisted their attempt to eject her from the chief’s palace where she had lived with her husband for 23 years.

She was alleged to have been asked to leave the palace because as tradition demanded, the bedroom of the late chief had to be locked and an inventory taken on items in the room.

The alleged perpetrators of the act, led by the Head of family, Opanin Baffour Kwame Asante and the Krontihene of the town, Nana Kyere Gyau, according to the story, have however denied attacking Madam Yeboah, alleging that Madam Afua rather started a fight with some women members of the family.

Madam Yeboah is said to have reported the incident to the Asiakwa Police after which she was given a medical form to go to the hospital.