Following his mother’s conviction by a High Court in Accra and subsequent incarceration, the Family Based Care Alliance, a non-governmental organisation, has called for trauma counselling for Akuapem Poloo’s son.
Rosemond Brown, as she is legally known, was sentenced to 90 days in prison for publishing obscene material and violating her seven-year-old son’s dignity and integrity with a nude photo she posted on social media.
Akuapem Poloo has since been released on bail pending the outcome of her sentence appeal.
The Alliance believes the boy has been traumatised by his mother’s current situation and will require counselling to cope adequately.
The group also advocates alternatives to incarceration for adult offenders, particularly first-time offenders, though it admits that “this would depend on the offence committed.”
They maintain that “mothers and fathers who are imprisoned leave behind their children, who become vulnerable; exposed to the ills of society.”
Below is the full statement
FAMILY-BASED CARE ALLIANCE ADVOCATES FOR ALTERNATIVES TO CUSTODIAL SENTENCING
The recent sentence meted out to Ghanaian celebrity Akuapem – Poloo elicited mixed feelings. She was sentenced to 90 days in prison for posting a naked photo of herself and her son on social media. She is survived by her seven-year-old son.
Her sentence highlights the debate over alternatives to incarceration (jail term) for adult offenders, particularly first-time offenders. This would undoubtedly depend on the nature of the offence committed.
Also read: Akwapem Poloo to spend another night in Nsawam prison
When mothers and fathers are imprisoned, their children become vulnerable and exposed to the ills of society.
Family Based Care Alliance (FaBCA) joins forces with other like-minded organisations to advocate for alternatives to incarceration.
FaBCA also believes that her son should receive trauma counselling and that parents should be accountable to their children.
Kingsley Kwayisi
Lead Facilitator
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