Parliament’s Health Committee has condemned the alleged burning of a seven-year-old girl by her guardian as punishment for bedwetting.

In a statement signed by Ernest Yaw Anim, Member of Parliament for Kumawu and Chairman of the Human Rights Committee, the MPs described the incident as “barbaric and inhumane”, condemning it in the strongest possible terms.

The committee stressed that the act constituted a gross violation of the child’s fundamental human rights, including her right to dignity, protection from torture and degrading treatment, and the right to a safe and nurturing environment, rights guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).

The statement emphasised that no cultural justification or form of discipline could ever excuse such “degrading and violent treatment” of a child.

It further called attention to the urgent need to strengthen public awareness on child rights, promote responsible parenting, and ensure that all perpetrators of child abuse are held fully accountable under the law.

The committee urged the Ghana Police Service and the Department of Social Welfare to conduct an immediate investigation and ensure that justice is served for the young victim.

The group also appealed to the public to report all forms of child abuse to the appropriate authorities without fear or hesitation.

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“The Human Rights Committee remains committed to advocating for the protection, safety, and dignity of every child in Ghana,” the statement noted, adding that the Committee would closely monitor the case to ensure due process and accountability.