Child Rights Group Urges Adherence to Juvenile Justice in PRESEC Kidnapping Case

Child Rights International (CRI), a non-governmental organization, has issued a call for strict adherence to juvenile justice procedures in the handling of legal proceedings involving children. This call comes in response to a recent incident involving four juveniles from the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC) Legon, along with two adults, accused of staging a kidnapping for financial gain.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Bright Appiah, CRI emphasized the importance of conducting trials for the juveniles within the framework of the Juvenile Justice Act. Specifically, the organization highlighted the necessity of providing separate detention facilities for juveniles within police stations, in accordance with Section 15(1) of the Act.

Furthermore, CRI stressed the importance of upholding the provisions outlined in Section 1(2) of the Juvenile Justice Act (653), which mandates that juveniles be treated differently from adults during custody, detention, and trial, unless under exceptional circumstances as per Section 17.

Privacy protection was also a key concern addressed by CRI. The organization commended the Ghana Police Service for preserving the privacy of the juveniles involved in their official releases but emphasized the need for continued respect for the dignity and privacy of the juveniles throughout the judicial process, as mandated by Section 3(1) and (2) of the Juvenile Justice Act.

CRI urged all parties, including institutions, organizations, and media entities, to act in accordance with the law when reporting on the case, emphasizing the importance of refraining from actions that could compromise the rights of the juveniles.

Additionally, the organization emphasized the importance of prioritizing the rehabilitation of the juveniles, regardless of the outcome of the investigation or legal proceedings. CRI underscored the significance of considering the best interests of the juveniles, as outlined in Section 2 of the Act.

The statement concluded by acknowledging the public interest surrounding the case and highlighting the opportunity it presents for constructive dialogue aimed at reassessing societal priorities concerning the upbringing and socialization of children.

The PRESEC kidnapping incident has garnered widespread attention, prompting calls for a thorough and fair legal process that prioritizes the rights and well-being of the juveniles involved.