Ghana's Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has visited fashion personality Nana Akua Addo and her family following reports of alleged domestic abuse. The visit aims to offer support and ensure the family's wellbeing and safety. Dr. Lartey's visit comes after videos and photographs circulated on social media, purportedly showing Nana Akua with injuries.
The Ghana Police Service confirmed that Nana Akua petitioned the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on August 20, alleging physical, emotional, and economic abuse by her husband, Harold Norman. Norman was arrested on August 27 and granted enquiry bail with two sureties. He was scheduled to appear in court on October 7 but was hospitalized, prompting investigators from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) to verify his claim.
During her visit, Dr. Lartey assured Nana Akua and her family of the Ministry's continued support, emphasizing the need to protect the children from the effects of conflicts involving adults. Nana Akua had appealed for the removal of some videos involving her children as the matter continues to attract public attention. The Ministry will provide psychosocial and social welfare support to help the family cope with the situation.
The Minister stressed that the safety and welfare of Nana Akua and her children must remain a priority while investigations continue. The Ministry will engage Nana Akua's husband, who was unavailable during the visit, as part of efforts to ensure that appropriate support is extended to those affected. This move aims to safeguard the family's emotional wellbeing and dignity.
The visit follows a warning from the Ministry against violence against women and children. The Ministry stated that acts of violence have no place in society and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Police and other institutions to ensure due process is followed. Dr. Lartey emphasized the Ministry's role in protecting victims and promoting a safe environment.
Nana Akua's husband, Harold Norman, will be arraigned after his discharge from the hospital. Investigators from DOVVSU visited the hospital to verify his claim, and the Police have indicated that he will face court proceedings once he is discharged. The case remains under investigation, with the Ministry and Police working together to ensure justice.
The Ministry's efforts to address the situation highlight the importance of protecting victims of domestic abuse and promoting a culture of respect and dignity. The case has sparked public concern, and the Ministry's involvement aims to provide support to those affected while ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, is committed to protecting victims of domestic abuse and ensuring perpetrators face justice.
- An investigation by the Ghana Police Service is ongoing, with Harold Norman set to face court proceedings after his discharge from the hospital.
- The Ministry will provide psychosocial and social welfare support to Nana Akua and her children to help them cope with the situation.
