News
Husband told to report gender based violence against them
Many men are victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) but, in most cases, it turns out that the majority of them experiencing it from their intimate partners, tend to shy away from reporting their experiences, says the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
Realising that men were often overlooked, and their cases trivialised, he urged men to speak out and be allies in the fight against GBV.
According to the Ashanti Sub-Regional Director of the CHRAJ, Samuel Asante-Yeboah, men and boys could also be victims of GBV, which could include physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse.
He was speaking at the climax of a 16-day activism against GBV organised by the AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine.
It was held together with partners including Underground Mining Alliance (UMA), Veolia Ghana, Epiroc Ghana, The Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU).
It drew participants from the clergy, traditional leaders, political leaders, women groups, interest groups and employees of AngloGold Ashanti.
Commemorated from November 25 to December 10 annually, the global campaign serves as a crucial reminder of the persistent struggle against GBV and the need for concerted efforts to protect and support victims.
In his remarks, the Community Relations Manager of the mining company, Edmund Oduro Agyei, also observed that “when we think about GBV, we may automatically think women were primary victims, but men too can be affected, and their experiences deserve acknowledgement and understanding”.
He said it was “crucial that we take holistic approach to the discussions, that violence in all its forms, is a human rights violation that transcends gender boundaries and urged men to voice out their experiences”.
“By doing so, they equip themselves to encourage empathy and create a more inclusive discussion that promotes healing and support for individuals impacted by violence”, he noted.
According to the Community Relations Manager, to win the fight against GBV, there was the need to adopt a holistic approach that recognised that violence of all forms, “is a human rights violation that transcends gender boundaries”.
To demonstrate their strong commitment to eliminating GBV of all forms, he said AngloGold Ashanti has implemented robust policies and procedures to prevent harassment and violence in the workplace.
Referencing a recent research, he noted that poor socio-economic circumstances could be a contributory factor in GBV, and therefore at “AngloGlod Ashanti, our community investment programmes support the empowerment of women and girls”.
He said the programmes promoted equal access to education, mentorship programmes, skills development and entrepreneurship programmes that educate and guide women to be self-sustaining.
Mr. Joseph Bernasko, Head of Operations, Veolia Ghana, said they had invested time, energy and resources towards prevention which included funding for education programmes, support services for survivors, training for law enforcement and healthcare providers and research to better understand and address the root cause of GBV.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Obuasi
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
