14 Persons For Court Over Dipo

Police in Somanya have arrested 14 persons for performing puberty rites (Dipo) in Sawer, a Suburb of Somanya in the Eastern Region.

Their arrest was in contravention of the President’s imposition of restrictions on social gathering in the wake of Covid-19.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Regional Police Command, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh, stated that “the suspects failed to comply with imposed restriction: Cont. to Para 1 (1) of F. I 65 and section 6 of the imposition of the restriction Act 2020 (Act 1012).”

The statement mentioned that on May 2, about 1: 45 pm the Somanya District Police Commander DSP Isaac Kojo Otsin, upon a tip off proceeded to Sawer and arrested the perpetrators.

The 14 are said to have gathered in a house to perform puberty rites, known as Dipo, despite theban on all forms of gatherings.

The release mentioned Samuel Lawer Opata, 85, Rebecca Tetteh, 70, Esther Korkor, 45, Vivian Amish, 45, Grace Tetteh, 40, Bernice Tetteh, 38, and Mercy Opata, 35 as the suspects.

The rest are Tetteh Victoria, 13, Comfort Ayiki, 14, Ernestina Owusu, 17, Aboagye Precious, 15, Florence Ellie, 16, Nartey Eunice, 40 and Lovelace Emmanuel Odonkor, 70.

Meanwhile, all the suspects have been cautioned, charged and granted court bail to appear before the Somanya District Magistrate Court on Monday, May ,4.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has said some circumstances and conditions have to be carefully considered before the ban on public gatherings is lifted.

He said he is aware of the impact of the closure of schools, churches and mosques, but was quick to add that he is still holding consultations with key stakeholders including members of the Council of State to conclude on the next line of action as far as the ban is concerned.

“There are still very important measures in place that are impacting the daily lives of our people. How long can we keep the churches closed? How long can we keep the mosques closed? What about our schools? When are they going to be able to resume? What are the circumstances and conditions that we have to see besatisfied before those measures can be taken?” he said.