Authorities have arrested 24-year-old Ayisha Zakaria after she allegedly inflicted burns on a seven-year-old girl as punishment for bedwetting. The incident reportedly took place in Mamobi, Ayawaso North Municipality, where the suspect is said to have heated a metal object, believed to be a spoon, and pressed it against the girl’s private parts and inner thighs.
School officials first noticed the injuries and pursued the matter after it had initially remained undisclosed. The case was reported to the Nima Division of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), leading to Zakaria’s arrest last Thursday following concerns raised by local community members.
The complainant, Sarki Musah Umar, a youth leader in the area, later withdrew the case on Monday, citing pressure from both the child’s family and local community leaders. Umar also explained that financial constraints made it difficult for him to continue pursuing the matter, noting he had personally covered costs for hospital visits and police reports.
In response, Imam Abdul Razak Iddriss, during a lecture at Hamburg Mosque in Mamobi, urged citizens to advocate for justice for the child. He criticised both authorities and community leaders for their inaction, emphasizing the importance of keeping children close and ensuring their safety.
Funds have been raised to support the girl’s medical care at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, with GHC 2,000 reportedly contributed toward her treatment. While DOVVSU confirmed the withdrawal of the case, officials stated that they are still monitoring the situation closely to safeguard the child’s well-being.
