The arrest of three women captured in a viral video brutally assaulting a minor has sparked intense public debate across Ghana, with many citizens asking a critical question: how many years should they be jailed for child abuse?
The suspects, who are currently in police custody at the LA Police Station, were arrested following public outrage after the disturbing footage circulated widely on social media. The video showed the women physically attacking the child, an act that has been strongly condemned by the public, civil society groups, and child rights advocates.
Under Ghana’s laws, child abuse is treated as a serious criminal offence. Legal experts explain that offences involving assault, cruelty to children, and causing harm to a minor can attract several years of imprisonment, depending on the severity of injuries, intent, and circumstances surrounding the case. In aggravated cases, courts may impose long-term custodial sentences, alongside fines or additional sanctions.
Many Ghanaians believe the suspects should face lengthy prison sentences to serve as a deterrent to others. On social media, users are demanding punishment ranging from 5 to 15 years or more, arguing that violence against a defenseless child deserves the harshest consequences allowed by law.
Child rights activists insist that sentencing should reflect not just punishment, but protection. They argue that lenient penalties often embolden abusers and fail to safeguard vulnerable children. According to them, strong convictions and visible justice are necessary to send a clear message that child abuse will not be tolerated in Ghana.
Others have called for additional measures beyond imprisonment, including mandatory counselling, lifetime bans from caring for children, and closer monitoring of child welfare cases nationwide.
While public opinion remains strong, legal analysts caution that sentencing is solely the responsibility of the courts. Judges will consider evidence, medical reports, and the applicable laws before determining appropriate punishment if the suspects are found guilty.
As investigations continue, Ghanaians await prosecution and trial, hoping the outcome will deliver justice for the victim and reinforce Ghana’s commitment to protecting children.
