The 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 comes amid public concern over videos and photographs circulating on social media, purportedly showing Nana Akua with injuries, as well as separate footage involving one of her children.
Nana Akua has appealed for the removal of some videos involving her children as the matter continues to attract public attention.
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that Nana Akua petitioned the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on August 20, alleging that her husband, Harold Norman, subjected her to physical, emotional and economic abuse.
According to the Police, Norman was arrested on August 27 to assist with investigations and was subsequently granted enquiry bail with two sureties.
He was scheduled to appear before court on Wednesday, October 7, but his lawyer informed the Police that he had been admitted to hospital. Investigators from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) later visited the hospital to verify the claim.
The Police have indicated that he will be arraigned after his discharge. (Nana Akua’s husband to face court after hospital discharge - Police)
During her visit, Dr Lartey assured Nana Akua and her family of the Ministry’s continued support, emphasising the need to protect the children from the effects of conflicts involving adults.
She said Nana Akua and the children would receive the necessary psychosocial and social welfare support to help them cope with the situation and safeguard their emotional wellbeing.
The Minister further stressed that the safety and welfare of Nana Akua and her children must remain a priority while investigations continue.
The Ministry is also expected to 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.
The visit follows a warning from the Ministry against violence against women and children.
“The Ministry takes this opportunity to send a strong and unequivocal message to all persons who perpetrate violence against women, children or any other person. Such acts have no place in our society,” the Ministry said.
Dr Lartey reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the Police and other relevant institutions to safeguard the family’s wellbeing, safety and dignity while ensuring that due process is followed.
The case remains under investigation.
