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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The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
