Assault cases top in police records

Sunyani, May 9, GNA - Brong-Ahafo regional office of Domestic Violence, Victims and Support Unit of Ghana Police recorded 406 domestic cases last year.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Kwaku Amoako, regional coordinator of the unit, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that assault cases topped with 111 cases, followed by child non-maintenance, 74, defilement, 43, stealing, 34, abduction, 27, threatening, 26. He said 80 accused persons were convicted, whilst 30 of the cases were settled out of court.

Mr Amoako expressed concern about the increase in assault cases reported at the unit and urged especially couples to exercise restraint and try to settle their domestic problems amicably. He commended the media for educating the public about the work of the unit, as more people are reporting cases of abuse to the unit instead of settling them at home. He said men are also reporting assault cases against their wives and advised other abused men to also seek justice at the unit. Mr Amoako mentioned inadequate offices as a major challenge to the unit, saying lack of privacy prevented people from coming out with important information that could help the police in investigations. He also expressed concern about inadequate logistics and said staff sometimes had to use their own monies for stationery and transportation to follow up cases.