In a Tuesday session of Parliament, Dr Zanetor Agyeman‑Rawlings, the MP for Klottey‑Korle and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, called on religious and traditional leaders and other influential figures to stop intervening in child sexual abuse cases with apologies, family meetings or compensation.
She said sexual offences must not be treated like petty theft, where a simple apology or family gathering could erase the crime. “We must not behave as though sexual crimes are akin to petty theft, where an apology, a family meeting, or some form of compensation can simply take the matter away,” she said.
Dr Agyeman‑Rawlings stressed that forgiveness is a personal and spiritual matter, whereas accountability is a matter of law that should never be undermined. She urged the creation of a national sex offenders register, backed by a comprehensive legal framework, to monitor those convicted of sexual offences against children and prevent repeat crimes while safeguarding due process and data protection.
The MP also demanded mandatory background checks for anyone who teaches, supervises, cares for or works closely with children, warning that moving teachers to other schools after credible allegations could expose other children to danger.
She cited 2025 figures showing 1,132 defilement cases, 297 rape cases, 10 attempted defilement cases and 16 attempted rape cases, and 2024 figures of 1,296 defilement cases and 316 rape cases. She noted that official numbers likely underrepresent the true scale due to fear, intimidation, stigma and community pressure.
Dr Agyeman‑Rawlings called for stronger survivor support, access to medical and psychological care, timely investigations and prosecutions, and accountability for those who obstruct justice.
She warned that without these measures, the cycle of abuse could continue, and urged Parliament to act swiftly to protect children across the country.
