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Empower, Don’t Silence Victims of GBV
Victims of gender-based violence (GBV) need assurance that when they come forward, they will not be shamed or silenced, experts at a three-day Gender Justice Hub held in Accra last week have said.
According to them, tackling GBV requires a collective effort from government, educational institutions and civil society to build a culture of accountability, justice and safety in Ghana’s higher educational system.
The initiative forms part of a broader project under the UNESCO Chair in Equity, Social Justice and Higher Education at the University of Australia, led by Professor Penny Jane Burke. It was held under the theme, “Towards transformative research for Gender Justice and challenging Gender-Based Violence: The Gender Justice Hub.”
To support national efforts, a Gender Justice Hub has been established in Ghana. The hub comprises about 15 accomplished women from academia, media, law and other sectors committed to promoting research, advocacy and policy engagement on gender justice.
The experts described gender-based violence as a “global pandemic,” stressing that higher education institutions must play a critical role in tackling it. They noted that harassment, intimidation and exploitation within academic spaces undermine confidence, discourage reporting and, in some cases, force victims to drop out of school.
In an interview with The Spectator during the event, partner of the UNESCO Chair, Professor Gifty Oforiwaa Gyamera, said universities have the expertise and moral obligation to lead the fight against GBV.
“Universities are centres of knowledge and social transformation. They must set the standard for ethical conduct and protection of all members of the community,” she said.
Professor Gyamera urged universities in Ghana to take the lead in creating safe and inclusive learning environments. She also called on tertiary institutions to recognise, research and respond to GBV rather than downplay or conceal its impact on access and participation in higher education.
“In Australia, universities are mandated by government policy to respond to GBV through clear reporting systems and survivor support structures,” she said, urging Ghanaian universities to adopt similar approaches to protect students and staff from abuse and ensure accountability.
She raised ethical concerns about lecturer–student relationships, warning that the imbalance of power in such relationships can lead to exploitation, and called on universities to develop explicit ethical policies and disciplinary procedures to prevent abuse and safeguard students.
She urged institutions to conduct regular surveys to determine the prevalence of GBV, create confidential reporting channels and provide psychosocial support for survivors.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The legal tussle over the removal of the former Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo is far from over as she filed another process before the High Court in Accra to halt the vetting of the newly appointed Chief Justice.
The application, which is in the nature of a judicial review, is asking for grant a number of reliefs and declarations.
The legal action filed is also seeking to stop the vetting and subsequent appointment of Justice Baffoe Bonnie as Ghana’s Chief Justice.
Justice Torkonoo is asking the court for an order of certiorari to quash the proceedings of the May 15, 2025 and the entire proceedings and outcomes of the Article 146 set up to consider petitions to remove the Applicant chaired by Pwamang JSC (“Pwamang Committee” “Committee).
She also wants an order of certiorari to quash each and all of the three reasons/grounds given by the Pwamang Committee for recommending her removal from office as stated in the letter of the Secretary to the President dated September 1, 2025.
Justice Torkonoo is further asking the court for an order prohibiting the denial or withdrawal of the salary, benefit, courtesies, and other entitlements due to her before the Warrant of Removal dated September 1, 2025.
By Malik Sullemana
Organiser of Ghana Music Awards (GMA) -USA have honoured Founder of Reign House Chapel, Prophet Eric Boahen Uche for his enormous support to the music industry.
GMA-USA led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr.Denise Boafo, affectionately called Don, made the presentation on Sunday, October 12, at church.
Presenting the citation, Mr.Boafo said Prophet Eric Boahen has been a support system for various sections of Ghana’s music echoe system.
This, he said, has gone a long way to keep many gospel artistes in business regardless of challenges confronting the industry.
“This is in recognition of remarkable contribution to the gospel music industry in Ghana and beyond,” he said.
He revealed that the Man of God substantially supported this year’s GMA-USA, a gesture which cannot kept under the rug.
On his part, a grateful Prophet Eric Boahen expressed his appreciation to the organisers for such an honour.
According to him, the gesture is a motivation to him and others to continuously support the cause of GMA-USA.
He charged the organisers to work assidously to promote Ghana Music in the diaspora.
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