Features
Putting an end to cross-border FGM practice… The role of advocates for girls’ protection
Hajia Nadia Abaas IV
Advocacy is a powerful tool that can be used to cause positive change in society by putting poli¬cy makers on their toes to discharge their duties satisfactorily.
Over the years, many advocates have used their voices to expose the rot in society and in the process saved thousands of lives.
In this same way, advocates for women and girls protection in Ghana can help fight Female Genital Mutila¬tion (FGM) to protect young girls from the devastating implication of the practice.
FGM, the practice of altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, is a deeply-root-ed cultural practice that continues to haunt many regions across Africa.
Despite efforts to eradicate the menace from Ghana, recent reports have revealed that young girls are taken to nearby countries like Burki¬na Faso to undergo the inhumane act before they are brought back to their respective families.
This calls for firmer action to be taken against this cross-border act to save victims.
It is good to know that the laws against the practice of FGM are well enforced, however if the purpose for the enforcement were not achieved, the whole motive of fighting FGM to protect our young girls will be lost.
Dealing with this danger of cross-border FGM would require wom¬en centered Non-Governmental Organ-isations (NGOs), advocates for girls’ protection, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and all well-meaning Ghanaians and Africans at large, to rise up and speak against the practice.
Speaking exclusively to The Spec¬tator, women empowerment advo¬cate, Hajia Nadia Abbas (IV) bemoaned the implication of such practices on young girls, and called on governments and international organisations to collaborate to create awareness pro¬grammes in affected regions.
According to her, cross-border collaboration among countries that encourage FGM was crucial, adding that governments must work together to exchange information, coordinate action and harmonise legislation to en¬sure that culprits do not escape legal consequences.
She indicated that religious and traditional leaders must also come out in their numbers to discourage actions that harm girls.
“We must call for the participation of all well-meaning members of the public in speaking against all forms of violence against humanity, includ¬ing this dangerous practice that is a human right violation.”
“I strongly believe that when everybody becomes an advocate for positive change, good results can be realised quickly,” she added.
Furtherance to that, she noted that men could join in the advocacy for the rights of women and work towards gender equity.
Hajia Nadia Abbas (IV) confirmed that she heard stories of young girls who were taken out of the country to neighbouring countries for them to un¬dergo FGM mainly because the police in those areas were on the look-out for culprits for such ill practices.
Advocates for women and girls’ rights stated that the fact that FGM had become a thing of the past in Ghana, did not mean authorities should relax; “We must be alert and arrest persons seen forcing girls out of the country for the barbaric act to be carried out on them. We must ensure we join forces with all our neighbour¬ing countries to put a permanent stop to this menace.”
Hajia Nadia Abbas (IV) who is also the Founder of Nadisco Foundation, a women centered NGO indicated that, when young girls are made aware about the severe health implication of FGM, which include urinary problems, complications during child birth and even death, they would stand up for themselves and report family mem¬bers who threaten to force them to undergo FGM.
MEN MUST JOIN THE FIGHT TO END FGM
On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM which was marked in February 2023, the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) called for partnership with men to join the fight against FGM.
When men join the fight against practices that affect women negative¬ly, success would be easily achieved, leading to an understanding that women and young girls also deserve to be respected and cherished.
By joining the fight against FGM, men demonstrate their commitment to their loved ones. Men can also challenge these harmful norms and attitudes by openly opposing FGM and promoting alternative practices that respect and uphold the rights of wom¬en and girls.
UNFPA’S REPORT ON FGM
The UNFPA has estimated that more than 200 million girls and women globally have undergone some form of FGM.
It also estimates 68 million girls are at risk of being mutilated be¬tween 2015 and 2030. A more recent study further revealed an additional two million girls to be at risk of this harmful practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further projections by the UNFPA showed that 4.3 million girls, world¬wide, this year remain at risk of FGM.
According to the UNFPA, this number is likely to reach 4.6 million by 2030, as conflict, climate change, rising poverty and inequality contin¬ued to hinder efforts to transform gender and social norms that underpin this harmful practice and disrupt pro¬grammes that help protect girls.
These revelations prove that all hands are needed on deck to save women and girls from this barbaric human rights violation.
The fight cannot be won if trans-border FGM practices were not checked.
By Raissa Sambou
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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