A 28-year-old man from the Ashanti Region of Ghana has been arrested for allegedly paying a fetish priest GHS800 (about $120) to kill his 4-month-old autistic son.
The man, who has not been named, is said to have taken the baby to the priest's shrine in the Amansie West District and asked him to kill the child because he was autistic and a financial burden. The priest is said to have strangled the baby and buried him in a shallow grave.
The man was arrested after the priest confessed to the crime. He has been charged with murder and is awaiting trial.
This is a horrific case of child abuse and neglect. It is also a reminder of the dangers of superstition and traditional beliefs. It is important to remember that autism is not a curse or a punishment. It is a complex developmental disorder that affects people in different ways. There is no cure for autism, but there are treatments that can help people with autism live full and productive lives.
The arrest of this man is a step in the right direction, but it is important to remember that this is not an isolated case. There are many children in Ghana who are living with autism and who are at risk of abuse and neglect. We need to do more to raise awareness of autism and to provide support to families and individuals who are affected by it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with autism, please know that there is help available. There are many resources available to families and individuals with autism. You can find more information on the Autism Speaks website: https://www.autismspeaks.org/.
In addition to the resources available through Autism Speaks, there are also a number of government-funded programs that can provide support to families and individuals with autism. These programs can help with things like early intervention, education, and job training.
If you are not sure where to find help, you can contact your local autism association or the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. They will be able to provide you with more information about the resources available in your area.
It is important to remember that autism is not a death sentence. With the right support, people with autism can live full and productive lives. We must all do our part to raise awareness of autism and to provide support to those who are affected by it.
