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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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Ghanaian music icon, Akwasi Poku Addae, known in Showbiz circles as Kwaisey Pee has honoured his promise to children suffering from cancer.
Ahead of his 25th anniversary event held at the D’ Icon Event Centre at East Legon last year, he made a promise to donate some funds to children suffering from cancer.
True to his word, the musician has recently made a donation of GHC50,000 to the Paediatric Oncology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
He told the Ghanaian Times that children are so dear to him, and was optimistic the support would go a long way too impact lives.
The music dynamo also promised that the gesture will not be the last,” it will be a continuous feature from me.”
He also called on Ghanaians home and abroad to lend a helping hand to children suffering from cancer.
According to him, children with cancer have many needs, and a helping hands will go a long way ease the suffering.
“Cancer treatment is very expensive, and leaving that to parents of the children alone, will be a huge burden, with support from you and myself, we can make some changes in other people’s lives,” he concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
A disagreement has emerged between Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Dickson Kyere-Duah, and energy consultant Kwadwo Poku over government funding for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The debate centred on government’s decision to budget about 13 million dollars to support the national team, even though FIFA is expected to provide an appearance fee of about 10.5 million dollars if Ghana qualifies for the tournament.
During the discussion on Joys news , Mr Poku questioned why the government should allocate such an amount when FIFA already provides funds to participating countries.
According to him, the appearance fee alone should help cover some of the country’s expenses.
He argued that if FIFA is giving Ghana 10.5 million dollars simply for qualifying for the tournament, it raises questions about the need for the government to appropriate additional funds.
Mr Kyere Duah, however, explained that the government’s allocation was part of advance planning captured in the national budget even before the final qualification results were known.
He noted that the budget for the tournament period was prepared in November 2025, when it was not certain that Ghana would qualify.
He stressed that budgeting does not automatically mean the entire amount will be spent.
According to him, the funds are meant to prepare the team from the start of the competition period until the end of the tournament.
Mr Kyere Duah explained that if the team exits the tournament early, the full amount allocated in the budget will not be used.
Mr Poku maintained that FIFA already provides financial support to teams for participating in the World Cup and insisted that the government must clearly justify additional spending.
The discussion extended to the role of the Ghana Football Association in managing the national teams.
Mr Poku described the association as a private institution and argued that FIFA also operates as a private body that does not allow government interference.
He explained that FIFA provides funds to teams to support their preparation and participation in the tournament.
Mr Kyere Duah, however, maintained that national teams represent the country and require government support to operate effectively.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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