Despite the relentless war against female genital mutilation by both government and non-governmental organisations the people of Gbao, near Banda Ahenkro in the Wenchi District still practice the outlawed custom.

Last Thursday, five girls were forcibly circumcised as part of puberty rites, The Rev Moses Asante, Minister in charge of the Banda Mission Field of the Presbyterian Church told the media.

The girls, he said, had taken refuge at the Kabrono Manse of the church to avoid being taken through the rites but the family members broke into the mission house and took them away.

The Priest said although the case was reported to the police, the two policemen at post at the local police station appeared helpless and could not stop the perpetrators.

Rev Asante said the victims are currently with the old lady circumciser who is nursing their wounds.

The Sunyani District Minister of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev Kwabena Asare-Ayeh said the case has been reported to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.