The Human Rights Committee of Parliament has issued a strong condemnation following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a young boy being subjected to torture by two adults in the New Ankasa community near Elubo, in Ghana’s Western Region. 

In the footage, the boy is seen tied with a nylon rope and suspended from the roof of a building while being beaten.

The perpetrators, believed to be family members, accused the boy of theft.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Committee, Ernest Yaw Anim, described the incident as “a violation of the boy’s fundamental human rights” as guaranteed under Article 28(3) of the 1992 Constitution. 

The Article states clearly that: “A child shall not be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.”

The Committee further referenced Ghana’s obligations under international conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention against Torture.

The Committee commended the Ghana Police Service for acting swiftly to arrest the suspects and urged the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice to ensure a speedy and decisive prosecution of those involved. 

“There is no justification for this kind of torture against any person, especially against a child,” the statement emphasised, calling for the full application of the law in this matter.

While acknowledging the importance of moral training for children, the Committee cautioned parents and guardians to respect the rights and dignity of their wards. 

“The Human Rights Committee will continue to monitor developments of events to its logical conclusion,” Hon. Anim assured. The Committee reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights of vulnerable persons, particularly children, in every part of the country.