News
Campaign to confront ignored crisis of sexual abuse launched
INNOVA DDB Ghana, in collaboration with Family Renaissance International (FRI) and 3Music TV, has launched a national campaign aimed at confronting the long-ignored crisis of sexual abuse within families and dismantling the culture of silence that allows it to thrive.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Call Them Out,’ was unveiled on Thursday at the Accra High School as part of activities marking the International Day of the Child, a global observance dedicated to children’s rights and protection.
For decades, many Ghanaian families have prioritised preserving their public image over safeguarding victims, especially when abuse is perpetrated by relatives or trusted family friends. The new campaign seeks to reverse this entrenched norm by encouraging communities to speak up, support survivors and demand accountability.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ninani Group, Mr Joel Nettey, described familial sexual abuse as a generational issue that has survived through silence. “It’s been with us for a long time; the only problem is we don’t speak about it in Ghana, it’s time for somebody to call them out,” he said.
Rev Mrs Catherine Onwioduokit, Founding President of FRI, said the initiative was timely and necessary. The culture of secrecy, she said, has long enabled abuse to go unchecked. She urged victims not to feel too intimidated to report and that social media has helped to keep the issue in the public eye, signaling a shift from denial to responsibility.
Ms Audrey Quaye, Creative Director at Innova DDB, explained that the campaign goes beyond awareness creation. She explained that the campaign would feature phone-based support systems accessible through a dedicated landing page, downloadable educational resources and a network of counsellors ready to assist victims.
At a panel discussion, participants highlighted the urgent need for public awareness, effective reporting systems and comprehensive support for survivors. The panelist were Dr Delasy Kwami Gbekor of Lucca Health and Twelve in Twelve LBG, Ethel Obeng-Treve, Clinical Psychologist and Executive Director of Fafanto Psych, and Ophelia Awinboma Azure, Co-founder of the Centre for Public Health Development Initiative.
They outlined the manipulative tactics abusers deploy, the trauma survivors endure and the crippling stigma that deters victims from seeking help. They encouraged students to remain vigilant, support peers and serve as advocates for early reporting and accountability.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
