The Gender-Based Violence Court in Sekondi, presided over by Her Honour Mrs Naa Amarley Akowah, has granted bail to Issa Morro (58) and Abdul Rashid (27), the two accused persons standing trial for the alleged assault of a 12-year-old boy in New Ankasa.

Bail was set at GH¢50,000, with two sureties, one of whom must be either an Assembly Member from New Ankasa or an officer of the Municipal Assembly.

The court also directed the accused to report weekly to the Elubo Police Station as part of the bail conditions.

The suspects were captured in a harrowing video on social media, showing the victim tied with nylon ropes and brutally assaulted by the adults.

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Meanwhile, today in court, counsel for the accused persons, Allah Mensah, said he had written to the Attorney General for an amendment in the three charges against the two suspects.

The specific nature of these charges was not immediately detailed, but the request for amendment suggests a potential shift in the prosecution's approach or a legal strategy by the defence to alter the scope of the trial.

The case has been adjourned to July 25, 2025, for continuation.

Background to Child Assault Cases in Ghana:

Child assault cases, particularly those involving physical and sexual abuse, remain a significant concern in Ghana.

Despite the existence of robust legal frameworks like the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560) and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 (Act 653), which align with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the prosecution of such cases often faces numerous challenges.

These can include lengthy judicial processes, difficulties in gathering evidence, victim intimidation, and societal pressures that sometimes lead to out-of-court settlements.

According to UNICEF Ghana and other reports, many children still experience various forms of physical and emotional abuse.

Ghana's legal system emphasises the best interests of the child as paramount in all matters concerning them, and specialised courts like the Gender-Based Violence Court in Sekondi are established to provide a more sensitive and efficient platform for handling such delicate cases.

However, the sheer volume and complexity of cases, coupled with resource constraints, can contribute to delays.

The involvement of a 12-year-old victim emphasises the protective measures outlined in Ghana's laws for minors, who are considered particularly vulnerable.

The outcome of the charges and any subsequent amendments will be closely watched by child rights advocates and the public, as it could set a precedent for how similar historical cases are handled within the justice system.

The adjournment to Friday will allow for the Attorney-General's office to respond to the defence's request for charge amendments, potentially reshaping the course of this long-running legal battle.