Ghana Police Service Arrests Man for Allegedly Assaulting Son with Quad Motorbike

• The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 60-year-old man for allegedly assaulting his 16-year-old son at North Legon in Accra.
• The suspect, identified as Eric Mante, allegedly tied his son to a quad motorbike and dragged him along a tarred road after confronting him over his behavior.
• The incident occurred on May 3, 2026, after the teenager went out to play football with friends.
• The suspect has been charged and put before court, with the Accra Regional Police Command condemning all forms of violence against children.

The recent arrest of Eric Mante by the Ghana Police Service has brought attention to the issue of child abuse in Ghana. According to the Accra Regional Police Command, the suspect allegedly tied his 16-year-old son to a quad motorbike and dragged him along a tarred road after confronting him over his behavior. This disturbing incident is not an isolated case, with child abuse remaining a significant concern in Ghana. The use of corporal punishment as a means of discipline is a deeply ingrained practice in some Ghanaian communities. However, this approach has been widely criticized for its potential to cause physical and emotional harm to children. The Ghanaian government has implemented various policies aimed at protecting children's rights, including the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), which prohibits physical punishment in schools. Despite these efforts, child abuse remains a pervasive issue, with many cases going unreported.

Background: The Issue of Child Abuse in Ghana

Child abuse has been a persistent problem in Ghana for decades. According to a 2020 report by the Ghana Statistical Service, approximately 33% of children in Ghana have experienced some form of violence. The report highlighted the need for increased awareness and education on child rights and the importance of reporting cases of child abuse. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of child abuse cases being reported in the media, with many incidents involving parents or guardians using physical force to discipline their children.

Incident Details

The incident involving Eric Mante occurred on May 3, 2026, after the teenager went out to play football with friends. According to the police, the suspect allegedly tied the victim to the quad bike and sped off with him near Adonai Church. In the process, the victim reportedly fell onto the tarred road and was dragged along the road, sustaining multiple injuries. The victim's cries for help attracted nearby residents, who intervened and stopped the suspect from continuing the assault. The teenager sustained various injuries and was rushed to the Legon Hospital for treatment. Police said the suspect was arrested shortly after the incident. During investigations, Eric Mante reportedly admitted to the act and told police that he acted out of anger over the boy's behavior. The suspect has since been charged and put before court. The Accra Regional Police Command has condemned all forms of violence against children and urged parents and guardians to use lawful and non-violent ways of disciplining children. The command also encouraged the public to report cases of child abuse to the police and other relevant authorities.

Police Response and Prevention Efforts

The Ghana Police Service has taken steps to address child abuse in the country. According to the police, the incident involving Eric Mante has been thoroughly investigated, and the suspect has been charged. The police have also urged parents and guardians to report cases of child abuse to the authorities. In addition, the police have launched public awareness campaigns to educate the public on child rights and the importance of reporting cases of child abuse. The Ghanaian government has also implemented policies aimed at protecting children's rights. For instance, the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560), prohibits physical punishment in schools. The government has also established the Child and Family Welfare Department to provide support services to children and families affected by child abuse. Despite these efforts, child abuse remains a significant concern in Ghana, and continued awareness and education are necessary to prevent such incidents.

Looking Ahead

The recent arrest of Eric Mante serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to address child abuse in Ghana. The Ghana Police Service and other stakeholders must continue to work together to prevent such incidents and provide support to children and families affected by child abuse. By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for children in Ghana.