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
The Ghana Highway Authority has announced a temporary traffic management arrangement on sections of the Accra Tema Motorway and the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange as construction work continues on the motorway expansion project.
In a public announcement issued on March 5, the Authority explained that the arrangement forms part of ongoing construction works under the Accra Tema Motorway and Extension Projects.
It noted that the traffic adjustment is required to allow contractors carry out T beam launching works for the expansion of the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange Bridge on the N1 highway.
Under the arrangement, lanes on the N4 northbound carriageway, which serves traffic moving from Accra to Madina, will be temporarily closed.
Meanwhile, the southbound carriageway from Madina to Accra, which currently has four lanes, will be reconfigured into two lanes in each direction to accommodate traffic moving both ways.
The Authority indicated that the temporary traffic changes will take effect from Monday, March 9, 2026 and are expected to last for four months.
According to the statement, the lane reduction is necessary to create a safe working space for construction personnel and to ensure the safety of motorists using the road.
The Authority therefore advised drivers to be cautious, obey traffic signs and cooperate with traffic management officials throughout the construction period.
It encouraged members of the public who require further information to contact its Public Affairs Division through WhatsApp on 0551622244.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Chief Imam, Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has congratulated the Government and people of Ghana as the country marks its 69th Independence Day, urging citizens to renew their commitment to national unity and democratic values.
In a statement to commemorate the celebration on March 6, he encouraged Ghanaians to use the occasion to strengthen their dedication to constitutional democracy, economic progress, interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
He observed that the world was currently facing several challenges, including the rise of authoritarian governments and increasing military conflicts among nations.
According to him, humanity was experiencing turbulent times, with genocidal attitudes and violent extremism becoming more widespread in different parts of the world.
The Chief Imam explained that such global developments should inspire Ghanaians to come together and deepen their commitment to nation building while embracing unity in diversity.
He noted that although colonialism left a painful mark on the country’s history, Ghanaians could take comfort in their collective determination to overcome colonial subjugation and build a free nation.
Reflecting on the country’s independence struggle, he indicated that Ghanaians now remembered the victory for liberty rather than the hardship endured during the fight against tyranny.
The National Chief Imam offered prayers for divine guidance and blessings for the President, John Dramani Mahama, the Government and the people of Ghana.
By: Jacob Aggrey
