The Inspector General of Police (IGP) David Asante-Apeatu has directed the Central Regional Police Command “to take over” the defilement case involving a four-year-old girl at Assin Adadientem in the Central region.

The police has been bashed severely for allegedly neglecting the case which has courted national discourse. The girl is currently battling for her life after she was allegedly defiled by an 18-year-old man, Kwabena, a farmer at Assin Adadientaim in the Assin South district of the Central region.

According to the mother of the victim, Monica Darkoh, the suspect came to their home and baited the victim with coconut when she had gone to a funeral. The suspect who is currently on the run took the 4-year-old victim to a toilet facility near the village and defiled her. The victim who collapsed during the act is currently receiving treatment at the Assin Fosu St Francis Hospital.

Following intense public outcry, the IGP has directed the regional police command to investigate the case as well as “focus on how to save the child.”

The investigation will also ascertain whether “police procedures were duly followed and generally ensuring that justice is done.”

“A Police Clinical Psychologist who is attached to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit at Accra has also been assigned to assist the process,” a statement signed by the director of public affairs of the Service Sheilla Abayie-Buckman said.

“The Police Administration therefore assures the public that any person who is found culpable of wrongdoing, including Police officers would be dealt with according to law,” the statement assured.