News
Don’t settle sexual, gender-based violence cases at home – Gender officer
Mrs Thywill Kpe
The Gender Department of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has cautioned the public to desist from settling cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at home.
Mrs Thywill Kpe, the Volta Regional Gender Officer, said such cases were criminal and must be reported to the police immediately for the prosecution of perpetrators.
Speaking at a stakeholder gathering in Cape Coast, she stressed that crimes must be reported immediately to protect the life of the victims as well as the evidence.
“Violence maims, destroys and kills and so if something like that happens, report immediately to the police and don’t tamper with the evidence,” she emphasised.
“We all have a stake in preventing SGBV and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted. Let’s all do our part for the good of Ghana,” she added.
Mrs Kpe advised that persons, sexually or physically abused should, with the support of their family or friends, seek medical help promptly to avert its attendant consequences such as sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.
“Usually, we tend to blame and isolate victims of rape and defilement and call them bad children; it’s very wrong to do that. Nobody has the right to abuse anyone under any circumstance.
“In such harrowing moments, seek for psychological help for them; they need counselling and not blame and insult,” she added.
To mitigate the incidence of SGBV, the gender officer advocated the abolition or modification of harmful religious and cultural practices against women. We need to enact by-laws in our communities to address such cases and increase advocacy to end it. And while at that, we have to empower our women and girls to be more assertive,” she said. —GNA
Government has inaugurated a Technical Committee to drive the implementation of the Accra Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project, a key initiative aimed at transforming the capital’s waterfront into a world-class tourism and commercial hub.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described the move as a critical step to accelerate progress, stressing the need for efficiency, collaboration, and accountability.
The Committee, chaired by Deputy Minister Yussif Issaka Jajah, will coordinate stakeholders, address bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery of the project.
The initiative is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has stepped up its fire safety education efforts in Suhum Municipality and Abetifi Odwenease as part of ongoing campaigns to prevent fire outbreaks and improve emergency readiness.
In Suhum, fire officers engaged traders and customers, educating them on handling LPG leakages, proper use of fire extinguishers, and general shop safety practices. Meanwhile, the Kwahu East Command extended outreach in Abetifi Odwenease, visiting homes, drinking spots, construction sites, and stores to promote safe handling of flammable materials, proper electrical usage, and correct gas cylinder placement.
Practical demonstrations on fire extinguisher use were conducted, and residents were encouraged to adopt good housekeeping habits and proactive safety measures to reduce fire risks and protect lives and property.
