Provide framework to deal with child kidnapping – Child Rights International to gov’t

Child Rights International (CRI) has called on the government and other stakeholders to take a cue from the recent kidnapping of some four Takoradi girls and introduce reforms that will specifically spell out the guidelines on child kidnapping and violence.

According to the NGO, the manner in which the kidnapping was handled from the very beginning left many Ghanaians disappointed while creating doubts in the minds of scores more.

The Executive Director of CRI, Bright Appiah in a signed statement says the Takoradi girls’ issue should lead to a reform which will spell out the guidelines on how the police must engage with the public in cases of kidnapping and child abuse.

He added that it is important to give clearance for the families of the girls to have a second DNA test.

“This issue has to be put to rest but in order for it to happen, the families and the public must believe the DNA report. If the families of the girls will need to get a different expert to verify the report, give them the go-ahead to do so,” the statement said.

It noted that the police must, on the back of recent developments, strengthen the relationship with the public, considering the fact that the public’s confidence in them has waned.