'RAPIST DESERVE SEVERE SENTENCE'

Parliament must recognise the damage suffered by rape victims and come out with the necessary legislation to protect them. DR Deborah Cubagee, Tema Municipal Director of Health Services who made this call, said the punishment provided under the current law is not deterrent enough.

She was speaking on "The effect of rape on victims" at a rally organised by the Tema branch of the 31st December Women's Movement to mark its 15th anniversary. Dr. Cubagee said, rape is a serious crime and abuse of victims, which leaves them with negative emotional scars and could affect their reproductive system, marriage and social life"

"In a situation where conception occurs and abortion does not succeed with a rape victim, and pregnancy is carried through, the victim gives birth to an unwanted child, not loved by the mother and this child becomes a menace to society", she stressed.

She said rape has a devastating effect on the victim and prayed that those who do it are severely punished. Dr. Cubagee said there is the need for association of women, including queenmothers to join hands in the crusade against rape.

She called on parent and guardians to discuss the topic in their homes and to educated their daughters so that they can protect themselves. Speaking on the "The Aged", Mr. J. D. Mensah , Chairman of Help Age Ghana, advised the public that while they are young they should endeavour to cater for their children and plan towards their old age so that they do not become frustrated. He said the government, realising the importance of the aged has declared July "the national senior citizens day"

He said Help-Age Ghana has registered and rehabilitated 1,231 old men and women, some of whom have been neglected by their relatives.

Madam Esther Agbodo, an entrepreneur, urged women to go into viable enterprises to supplement the upkeep of their homes when she spoke on "Women entrepreneurship". Madam Beatrice Afieye Ashong, MP for Kpone-Katamanso and Tema Municipal organisers of the movement, in a welcoming address, said the branch is going into many productive ventures including the cultivation of cashew.