Editorial
Don’t demand sex from teenage girls when you support them
Some teenage girls are becoming increasingly concerned about men requesting sex from them in return for the support they provide.
The girls have urged for intervention to address their predicament, claiming that the demand for sex by men in exchange for assistance frequently leads to teenage pregnancies among them.
The girls voiced these concerns when the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) conducted a study in three locations with over 200 adolescents, 80 percent of whom were girls.
The initiative forms part of the larger West and Central Africa strategy to ensure a better future for girls and is a component of Ghana’s national priorities for the welfare of teenage girls.
Participants were selected from the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Upper West regions, including Wa, Kumasi, and Tema.
In collaboration with the government, the consultations were conducted to establish safe spaces where girls between the ages of 10 and 19 may discuss their goals and concerns and propose solutions.
The girls said that “some of us are willing to work, but there are very few opportunities available” and described their situation as a terrible reality that is having a significant impact on them.
They also bemoaned the fact that “we would gladly take jobs if we had access to them so that we can move away from this harmful lifestyle.”
Even more disturbing is the abusers’ use of their social status, influence, and power to coerce, manipulate, exploit, or threaten these defenseless girls. Some victims may feel pressured to comply with the abuser’s demands, making it difficult for them to report the abuse or escape, which causes emotional distress.
Experts in emotional therapy say that serious mental trauma, such as anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can result from feeling helpless and exploited.
The Spectator advises parents to be responsible, mentor, and assist teenagers in making decisions about their sexual health. They should also establish private, open avenues for sex education discussions in order to allow their children to ask questions about sex, puberty, and relationships,
By empowering victims, holding perpetrators accountable, creating safe environments, and fostering education and awareness we can work towards preventing sexual abuse and help reduce the high rate of teenage pregnancies.
The Spectator applauds UNICEF for promising to keep turning these realisations into tangible action by strengthening programmes that empower adolescent girls and provide them with the opportunities needed to thrive.
We also implore the government and all other stakeholders to take action in order to invest in teenage girls’ potential, promote gender equality, and provide a better future for them.
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Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
