We are faced with a case that has stirred emotions and raised concerns about child trafficking and the protection of vulnerable minors. An entrepreneur, Blessing Astrim, has been granted a GHC300,000.00 bail with two sureties by the Accra Circuit Court, following allegations of stealing and trafficking two children from Nigeria to Ghana.
Presiding over the case, Mrs. Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie ruled that the sureties for Astrim must reside within the Court’s jurisdiction. One of the sureties is required to provide movable or immovable property equivalent to the bail sum. Additionally, Astrim, aged 47, must deposit a valid identification (ID) such as a passport, Ghana card, or voter’s ID. She is also mandated to report to the police once a week, specifically on Wednesdays.
The accusations against Astrim involve the theft and trafficking of a boy and a girl, both children from Nigeria. However, she has vehemently denied these allegations. The case is set to reconvene on May 25, 2024.
The background of the case, as presented by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isaac Babayi, indicates that the complainant, Mr. George Hood, who is a pharmacist and the husband of the accused, reported the incident to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit/Criminal Investigative Department (CID) Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service. According to Mr. Hood's petition, Astrim purportedly traveled to Nigeria in her seventh month of pregnancy and returned to Ghana in December 2022 with two children, claiming to have given birth to twins.
Subsequent examinations and DNA tests conducted on the children raised suspicions as they did not genetically match either Astrim or Mr. Hood. Despite numerous attempts to ascertain the origins of the children, no concrete information was provided by Astrim. The investigations led to further inquiries with INTERPOL Nigeria and the Nigerian National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), but as of now, no substantial response has been received.
In defense of Astrim, her lawyer, Mr. Ameyaw Nyamekye, emphasized her Ghanaian nationality and argued that the true parents of the children have yet to be established. He also highlighted that Astrim is a responsible caregiver for the children and should be granted bail in consideration of their well-being.
Contrarily, ASP Babayi contested the bail application, expressing concerns about the nature of the crime and the potential risk of Astrim absconding with the children if granted bail. He underscored the importance of prioritizing the best interests of the children and ensuring a swift trial process.
This case brings to light critical issues surrounding child protection, cross-border trafficking, and legal jurisdiction. The complexities involved necessitate a thorough and impartial examination of all evidence and legal considerations.
As we await further developments in this case, it is imperative to uphold the principles of justice and safeguard the welfare of the children involved. The decision-making process must be guided by a commitment to fairness and protection of vulnerable individuals.
We will continue to monitor this case as it unfolds and trust that due process will prevail in serving the interests of justice and child welfare.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
