The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has received with deep shock and sorrow reports of the death of a five-year-old pupil of Mim M/A Basic School in the Asunafo North Municipality of the Ahafo Region on the evening of Sunday, 8th November 2026.
According to reports, a disagreement between the child’s parents escalated into violence, during which the child was allegedly assaulted and fell heavily to the ground. She sadly died shortly after efforts were made to seek medical care. The Ministry has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, the school community and the people of Mim. No child should lose their life in a place they ought to be safest.
The Ministry unreservedly condemns all forms of violence against children. Violence in the home is not a private matter, and children must never be used as instruments or victims in disputes between adults.
The Ministry notes that the Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations and that a suspect is in custody assisting with investigations. It has commended the Ahafo Regional Police Command for its prompt action and urged a thorough, transparent and speedy investigation so that anyone found culpable is dealt with in accordance with the law, including the Children’s Act, 1998, the Domestic Violence Act and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960.
The Ministry has taken note of allegations that a health facility in Mim declined to attend to the child. It welcomes the separate investigation opened into this matter and calls on the relevant health regulatory authorities to examine the issue. Every child in a medical emergency is entitled to immediate, life-saving care, and any lapse must be addressed.
Through the Department of Social Welfare and the Domestic Violence Secretariat, the Ministry is liaising with the Police and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit to follow the case closely to its conclusion. It is also deploying social welfare officers in the Asunafo North Municipality to provide psychosocial support to the family and to assess the safety and well-being of any other children in the household. The Ministry is further working with the Municipal Assembly, the Ghana Education Service and community leaders in Mim to provide counselling support where needed.
The Ministry has urged all teachers, religious and traditional leaders as well as members of the public not to look away when instances like this are brought to their attention. Anyone who knows or suspects that a child is being abused should report it immediately to the nearest police station, DOVVSU office or Social Welfare, or call the Orange Support Centre toll-free line on 0800-111-222, the DOVVSU hotline on 055 1000 900, Police emergency on 191 or 18555, or the Domestic Violence Secretariat WhatsApp on 0551757575. Reports can be made confidentially. Speaking up early can save a life.
The Ministry has further appealed to the media and the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the deceased child and her family and to refrain from circulating images or details that could cause further distress or prejudice ongoing investigations.
