The tragic death of a 13-year-old girl in Kokrobite, in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, has intensified calls from SHE HELPING HAND, a Ghanaian NGO focused on empowering women and children, for stronger child-protection measures and stricter enforcement of domestic-violence laws.
The victim, identified as Celestine, died after allegedly being severely mistreated by her father, Issah Mohammed, and her stepmother, Yaa Grace, who have since been arrested by the police.
Reports indicate that the incident followed an accusation that Celestine had eaten food meant for her younger brother. Neighbours, alarmed by the situation, alerted police, leading to the couple’s arrest. Further information suggests that Issah had previously separated from the girl’s biological mother after repeated reports of abusive behaviour.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed advocacy for early intervention in homes where children may be at risk.
Justina Acquah, a relative of Celestine’s biological mother, expressed deep frustration:
“This child suffered in silence for far too long. We want justice, but we also want systems that protect children before things reach this point.”
SHE HELPING HAND, which has been active in promoting women’s and children’s welfare nationwide, says the case reflects broader gaps in Ghana’s child-safety framework.
Madam Claremond Kabutey-Ongor, Executive Secretaryof SHE HELPING HAND, stated:
“No child should endure fear or mistreatment in their own home. This tragedy shows the urgent need for more social workers, stronger community reporting channels, and continuous public education on non-violent parenting.”
She added that community members, teachers, neighbours, and local leaders must feel empowered to report early warning signs without fear of backlash.
Mr. Emmanuel Tetteh, a social-welfare analyst, also highlighted the urgent need for preventative interventions:
“Family-support services, welfare monitoring, and public awareness on children’s rights must become national priorities. We cannot continue reacting only after a tragedy.”
The Kokrobite District Police Command has begun investigations, and Celestine’s body has been deposited at the Police Hospital for autopsy.
SHE HELPING HAND is urging the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ghana Police Service, and community stakeholders to strengthen child-protection systems, improve abuse-reporting mechanisms, and expand programmes that support vulnerable families.
As the community mourns the loss of young Celestine, the organisation stresses that meaningful reforms are urgently needed to safeguard other children across the country.
