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Collective efforts needed to prevent child sexual abuse – Dr Fugah
Reverend Dr Joseline Fugar, Executive Director of Juniper Tree Tamar, a Christian NGO based in Kumasi, has called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to help prevent child sexual abuse.
She said even though there had been lots of advocacy, child sexual abuse continued to increase, especially in the advent of internet and social media, where innocent children were falling prey to sexual predators.
Speaking at the second phase of a child sexual abuse essay writing competition and awards ceremony for school children in the Ejisu Municipality, she stressed that there was the need for collective efforts to speak out against injustice and remain vigilant in protecting the vulnerable.
The essay competition, which involved 10 Junior High Schools and 30 participants, aimed at empowering young individuals, advocate the rejection of sexual abuse, and reduce its prevalence.
Additionally, it sought to provide education, raise awareness, and cultivate knowledgeable leaders who would serve as advocates and peer counselors to their peers.
The competition was part of Juniper Tree’s 10-year nationwide project titled: ‘Sexual Abuse: Prevent it, report it’ which aims to establish various clubs in JHSs to identify and prevent sexual abuse among young individuals.
Dr Fugah highlighted that approximately 33 per cent of children in Ghana have experienced some form of sexual abuse, with almost 95 per cent of the perpetrators being individuals known to the victims.
A report by PLAN GHANA revealed that 53 per cent of these incidents occurred in schools, while 43 per cent took place within homes.
Furthermore, about 14 per cent of the victims were school children, primarily between the ages of 14 and 15.
In the JHS 1 category of the essay competition, Master Jewel Nhyira Mensah of Okyerekrom emerged as the winner with a score of 82.6 per cent, followed by Master Duke Nana Adonteng Appiah of Ejisu Presby and Ms. Christabel Ziyaba of Kwamo M/A in the second and third place, with scores of 78 per cent and 72 per cent, respectively.
For the JHS 2 category, Ms. Evelyn Boakye of Okyerekrom secured first place with a score of 82.2 per cent while Master Annan Amawula of Ejisu Presby came in second with 75 per cent, and Master Louis Sarfo of Kwamo M/A and Ms. Angel Abena Ntiamoah of Ejisu M/A tied for third place with a score of 78.8 per cent.
In the JHS 3 contest, Ms Fafa Lali Lumor of Ejisu Model claimed the top spot with a score of 85.6 per cent followed by Ms. Emelda Amponsah Diko of Ejisu Presby in second place with 81.4 per cent and Ms Emmanuella Selikem Afeke of Ejisu R/C in third place with a score of 80 per cent.
All participants received certificates, exercise books, and medals in recognition of their achievements. –GNA
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.
