Regional News of Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Source: GNA

CHRAJ rescues 14-year-old girl from forced marriage

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has rescued a 14-year-old girl, who was forced to marry 50-year-old Musah Maabongba, at Breme, a farming community in the Tano South District of the Brong Ahafo Region.

Musah Maabongba and his brother are currently in the grips of the Bechem Police pending investigation.

In an interview with radioxyz, Owusu Bediako Appah, Tano South District Director of CHRAJ was happy that his outfit managed to rescue the girl and sent her to her parents.

“On that day, I received a call from a resident at Breme that a young girl has been forced into marriage.

“I quickly called on the District Police Commander, Boss of the Social welfare; we rushed to the place and realized what the caller told me is true, we rescued the girl and also arrested the supposed husband Musah Maabongba and his brother Mesuam Maabongba,” Mr. Appah recounted.

Mr. Appah added that this is the third time his outfit has rescued a young girl forced into marriage since he came to the district in 2008.

“We realized the girl is from Gbindiri in Bunkprugu Yunyoo of the Northern region. We sent her to her hometown while the Bechem Police are still investigating the incident,” He added.

He called on residents of the Tano South District to report abuse of girls in their communities to CHRAJ or the nearest police station.