The Paramount Chief of Avatime traditional area in the Volta Region Osie Adza Tekpor has defended a decision to prohibit women from wearing tight-fitting dresses, mini-skirts and dresses that cover little part of the body. Even though there has not been any defined penalty prescribed for those who go against the directive, the chief said first time offenders would be cautioned, but persistent disobedience would attract unspecified fine. According to the Chief, the ban became necessary following complaints by some women folks in the area who were concerned about the level of indecency rising in the area during public fora. However, some women in the area have also condemned the ban, insisting that it infringes on their human rights and threatened to stage a demonstration if the ban is not lifted. But the Paramount Chief, in an interview with Joy News, explained if one wears trousers that shows her stomach or body, and those that exposes their buttocks, “that is considered indecent”. He also denied any harassment of women in the area because they are wearing skimpy dresses. “What is the essence of harassment, are they being followed everywhere, are they being arrested, are they being assaulted, are the dresses being removed from them, none of these things happened. The only thing is that the ban is still in force.” Meanwhile, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Isaac Kodobisa, said the traditional council will need to dialogue with the women for an amicable resolution. Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana