In
a heartwarming ceremony yesterday, 25th day of October, 2023, the
Bono Regional police headquarters welcomed a new addition to their premises, a
child-friendly facility aimed at bolstering relationships between law
enforcement and the region's women and children. The facility, which falls
under the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), was inaugurated
with much enthusiasm and support from community leaders.
The
event was graced by prominent Queenmothers representing various traditional
areas, with Nana Boa Boahemaa, the Dwantuahemaa of the Sunyani Traditional
Council, and Nana Akosua Kumi Sasraku Seradaa of Dormaa leading the way. This
initiative received financial backing from Global Affairs Canada through
UNICEF, which officially handed over the facility to the Bono Regional DOVVSU
office. Miss
Hilda Mensah, a Child Protection Specialist from the UNICEF National Office in
Accra, shed light on the necessity of such a facility. She explained how
children often feel intimidated when being interrogated in the presence of
adults or, worse, criminals. They might be reluctant to share their stories,
particularly if they've suffered mistreatment. The newly designed facility,
resembling a welcoming living room filled with toys and vibrant colors, will
serve as an environment where children can feel at ease. After some relaxation,
experts will engage with them to understand their concerns. Once identified,
these concerns will be reported to the police to activate the justice system.
The goal is to make children comfortable talking to the police, viewing them as
friends who offer protection against child abuse from adults.
ACP
Owusuaa Kyeremeh, the National Director of DOVVSU, provided valuable insights
into how the facility functions. She highlighted the presence of CCTV cameras
in the rooms, ensuring that officers do not need to retell the child's story.
All information is captured while the child plays and interacts in the main
office.
She
extended her heartfelt gratitude to Global Affairs Canada and UNICEF for this
significant initiative. She noted that this facility has already made a
positive impact in Ashaiman, Madina, Assin Fosu, Kasoa, and is expected to do
the same in Sunyani. ACP Kyeremeh emphasized the importance of parents,
especially women and children, making good use of the facility for their own protection
and to seek justice.
Miss
Hilda Mensah took the opportunity to advise the public to perceive the police
as friends, not enemies. She urged parents to stop using the phrase, 'I will
call the police for you,' when disciplining their children, as it sends a
negative signal about law enforcement. Instead, she encouraged parents to
educate children on how to reach out to the police when in need or feeling
threatened.
The
Dwantuahemaa of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Nana Boa Boahemaa, expressed
her gratitude to the police administration, especially DOVVSU, for their
forward-thinking initiative. She extended her appreciation to Global Affairs
Canada and UNICEF for their generous support. Nana Boa Boahemaa promised to
educate women and children about the facility's presence and how to maximize
its use.
The
child-friendly facility represents a significant step towards fostering trust
and cooperation between the police, women and children. It is a beacon of hope
for children who can now confide in law enforcement as protectors, and it
stands as a testament to the positive change that can be achieved through
collaborative efforts.
By Adam Siaka
Wofa Kente, Radio BAR Sunyani
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