A woman seen with a 12-year-old girl during the Democracy Hub street protest has been charged with exposing a child to danger.
The Ghana Police Service clarified that the woman, Grace Asantewaa, is 50 years old, contrary to claims that she is 68.
In a statement, the police explained that Grace brought the 12-year-old girl to the protest, and at the time of her arrest, the police did not separate the two, as she was considered the child’s guardian.
They were taken to the police station, where Grace was granted police enquiry bail, allowing her to return home with the child.
The police statement, signed by Grance Ansah-Akrofi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Director of Police Public Affairs, addressed misinformation circulating about the incident.
It emphasized that reports suggesting the involvement of a 12-year-old child, a 68-year-old woman, and a pregnant woman among those arrested are false and urged the public to disregard such claims.
The police further clarified that during the arrest, it was determined that Grace Asantewaa, reported as 68 years old, was actually 50 and had the child with her.
To avoid separating them, the child was allowed to accompany Grace to the police station, where she was provided with food. For the child’s welfare, Grace was granted bail and permitted to leave with her.
Grace Asantewaa has been charged with exposing a child to danger by bringing her to the demonstration site, in violation of Section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
“We would like to use this opportunity to advise members of the public to be mindful of involving our beloved children in activities that have the potential to expose them to danger,” the police statement added.
