News
Media urged to stop dramatising defilement cases
The convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, Sheila Minkah-Premo Esq has urged the media to exercise greater sensitivity in reporting defilement cases, as dramatising coverage can traumatise victims, hinder justice and continue harmful stereotypes.
According to her, responsible reporting can create awareness without causing further harm. The media must strike a balance between informing the public and protect survivors.
She made this known at a two-day training workshop organised by The Affirmative Action Law Coalition in collaboration with the Abantu for Development and supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).
The workshop held in Accra brought together representatives from civil society organisations, media houses and governance institutions to deepen their understanding of the laws provision, enhance their advocacy capabilities and promote responsible public reporting in its progress.
“In recent reporting on a defilement case involving a minor, it is aired with dramatic music and blurred visuals of the victims. They sometimes disclosed the location and age of victim making it easy for community members to identify the child,” the convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition stressed.
She stated that when the media dramatises defilement cases, it shifts focus from justice to drama.
She further emphasised that the critical role of the media is public education and dispelling misconceptions about the AAA Law (Gender Act 2024 Act 1121).
She called on stakeholders, from policy makers to community leaders to actively contribute towards realising Ghana’s vision to equitable representation in leadership.
Mary Tobin Osei, a researcher, stated that effective advocacy depends on civic actors and the media must have a full understanding of the law.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that in the whole of 2024, only GHS 362 million was released to MMDAs in Common Fund.
Contrary to this, In 2025 alone GHS 5 billion was released to the MMDAs with the following breakdown as follows.
The Minister made this revelation when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series held today.
In breakdown, the minister nonted that 1st Quarter – 790,372,058.40 was released for 2025.
He added that for the 2nd Quarter, 1,464,983,309.60 was released.
3rd Quarter saw the release of 1,188,921,640.80 and
1,592,706,391.20 for 4th Quarter.
The Minister added tha each of the MMDAs were required to undertake the following; at least 2-CHPS compounds, 3 Classroom blocks, 10 Boreholes, and Completion of legacy projects.
Additionally, 25% of the Common Fund was allocated for the Construction of 24-Hour Economy Model Markets.
Ahmed Ibrahim noted that as a result of the timely and unprecedented release of Funds, a total of 494 CHPS compounds, 761 Classroom Blocks, 4,029 Boreholes, and 2,755 Legacy projects are currently at various stages of completion.
Also, he added that 261 24-Hour Economy Model Markets have all been awarded on contracts and construction has begun on many of them.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), on April 17, 2026, decorated nineteen (19) senior officers who have been promoted to their next ranks based on the recommendations of the Police Council and approval of the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, forms part of efforts to recognise merit, dedication, and long-standing service within the Ghana Police Service, while strengthening leadership across key operational and administrative levels.
The officers promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP) are Dr. Luke Asue-In-Yeng Zakpaa, Mr. Frederick Agyei, Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Mr. Arthur Osei-Akoto, Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Mr. Barnabas Nambont Nasumong, and Mr. Desmond Owusu Boampong.
The IGP and members of POMAB congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
