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| Two To Sue Military For Sexual Torture |
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| Date: 04-Jul-2012 |
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| Minister for Defense, Lt. Gen. Joseph Henry Smith (rtd) |
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The families of two friends forced to have sex at gunpoint are demanding compensation of GH¢800,000 from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for what they describe as sexual and emotional torture or they would sue the GAF.
Nii Noi Dowuona and Evelyn Odoi were reportedly forced to fondle each other and eventually have sex by two soldiers behind the walls of the Osu Castle, the seat of government, sometime in March 2009.
While one of the soldiers brandished a gun to intimidate them, the other soldier filmed the ordeal with his mobile phone.
However, more than a year after reporting the matter to the Military High Command and giving testimony to an investigative board, the two say they have received no word on their demands, while no action has been taken against the offending officers.
Narrating their ordeal to listeners of Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem Morning Show on Tuesday July 3, Nii Noi Dowuona said his friend Evelyn asked him to accompany her to fetch sea water behind the Castle at Osu close to where they live. On the way, they decided to sit and have a chat behind one of the walls.
Suddenly, two soldiers, one identified only as Bright confronted them, accusing Nii Noi of smoking a controlled substance. Although the couple vigorously denied the accusation, the soldiers ordered Evelyn to perform oral sex on Nii Noi, after which he was ordered to do same. They were then ordered to have sex.
When he failed to achieve and sustain an erection, Nii Noi was allegedly hit with the butt of a gun. After the forced sex, Nii Noi claims he was sent to raise money to secure their freedom. Evelyn Odoi added that at least one of the soldiers asked for sex from her but she refused. Officer Bright then gave her his mobile phone number.
When they were eventually released the couple decided to keep the humiliating experience to themselves, but to their surprise copies of the video began circulating in the Osu township. Evelyn Odoi’s husband drove her and her nine-month old baby out of their marital home when he saw the video.
Faced with societal ridicule, the two sought redress through the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), who referred the matter to the Military in March 2011 but have received no word.
The family of Nii Noi Dowuona, the Gua We royal family, is demanding GH¢700,000 to cleanse him. Evelyn Odoi’s family is demanding GH¢100,000 for resettlement and the upkeep of her child.
Reached for comment, the Public Affairs Director of the Ghana Armed Forces,
Col. Mbawine Atintande disclosed that the Armed Forces had investigated the matter and had “administratively relieved” the offending men, meaning they had been kicked out of the Service.
In a related development, the Network of Journalists for Humanity, a grouping of journalists committed to ensuring that human rights of the citizenry are respected, has issued a two-week ultimatum to the military authorities to adequately compensate the victims or they will be forced to take action on their behalf.
Osei Jnr, leader of the group, gave the warning while contributing to the discussion on phone. |
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| Source: Radioxyzonline |
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