News
Sexual abuse in schools
The rempant sexual abuse in schools and workplace has become a major concern to some female students in the Upper West Regional Capital, Wa, who called for amore punitive measures against the perpetrators of such crime.
This, according to them, would serve as a deterrent to others and pave the way for female students to study in peace.
They contended that nothing was more dehumanising than a leturer or a teacher wanting to have sexual intercourse with a student or pupil before awarding them marks
The students who spoke to “The Spectator” on the sidelines of a street Campaign Against Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) at the workplace stated that while the practice militated against the performance of student-victims, it served as fortile grounds for the perpetuation of unfair treatment against students who earned their marks genuinely without resorting to amorous relationships with their lecturers.
Ms Ramatu Mohammed a Level 300 student of a university in the country (name withheld) stated that a lecturer of hers had expressed unpleasant interest in her and had promised to offer her good grades if she succumbed to his sexual advances.
“Women in Ghana are really suffering from sexual violence; in schools and at the workplaces. In my case, although I did not respond positively to the amorous advances from my lecturer, I felt awkward each time I encountered this lecturer and I was fortunate that he did not temper with my grades for refusing his advances.”
She said there had been instances where some colleagues of hers had failed certain subjects not because they were not capable of passing but because they refused a lecturer’s advances.
“Some students also harass lecturers for grades which in fact does not paint a good picture of the real abilities of the trainees at the institutions but the most common ones are the lecturers on students”, she added.
Another student ,Jude Aa-nsukun, also stated that harassment of students in schools was rife as some male lecturers took advantage of female students in exchange for good grades.
He called for more stringent measures and punishment to deal with such abuses by perpetrators and also protect victims physically, emotionally and academically.
Ms Adiza Rahman added that improper dressing was not even the problem as many people thought because she used to dress decently when she was in school, but still suffered such sexual advances from some lecturers as well as some colleague male students.
“Sometimes male students can touch ladies in places they find offensive and when they complain, the men think the ladies are being ‘difficult’ but that is actually an abuse because the lady has not entered into any agreement with the man to warrant such act”, she said.
She believed robust sexual abuse policies for institutions would help solve the problem and also encourage female students who suffered such abuse to seek redress at the appropriate place.
The campaign was orgnaised by the ActionAid Ghana in the region as part of its activities under the Zero-Violence project with funding from the Foreign Common Wealth and Development Office of the UK Government.
From Lydia Darlington Fordjour, Wa
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
