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Empower, Don’t Silence Victims of GBV
Victims of gender-based violence (GBV) need assurance that when they come forward, they will not be shamed or silenced, experts at a three-day Gender Justice Hub held in Accra last week have said.
According to them, tackling GBV requires a collective effort from government, educational institutions and civil society to build a culture of accountability, justice and safety in Ghana’s higher educational system.
The initiative forms part of a broader project under the UNESCO Chair in Equity, Social Justice and Higher Education at the University of Australia, led by Professor Penny Jane Burke. It was held under the theme, “Towards transformative research for Gender Justice and challenging Gender-Based Violence: The Gender Justice Hub.”
To support national efforts, a Gender Justice Hub has been established in Ghana. The hub comprises about 15 accomplished women from academia, media, law and other sectors committed to promoting research, advocacy and policy engagement on gender justice.
The experts described gender-based violence as a “global pandemic,” stressing that higher education institutions must play a critical role in tackling it. They noted that harassment, intimidation and exploitation within academic spaces undermine confidence, discourage reporting and, in some cases, force victims to drop out of school.
In an interview with The Spectator during the event, partner of the UNESCO Chair, Professor Gifty Oforiwaa Gyamera, said universities have the expertise and moral obligation to lead the fight against GBV.
“Universities are centres of knowledge and social transformation. They must set the standard for ethical conduct and protection of all members of the community,” she said.
Professor Gyamera urged universities in Ghana to take the lead in creating safe and inclusive learning environments. She also called on tertiary institutions to recognise, research and respond to GBV rather than downplay or conceal its impact on access and participation in higher education.
“In Australia, universities are mandated by government policy to respond to GBV through clear reporting systems and survivor support structures,” she said, urging Ghanaian universities to adopt similar approaches to protect students and staff from abuse and ensure accountability.
She raised ethical concerns about lecturer–student relationships, warning that the imbalance of power in such relationships can lead to exploitation, and called on universities to develop explicit ethical policies and disciplinary procedures to prevent abuse and safeguard students.
She urged institutions to conduct regular surveys to determine the prevalence of GBV, create confidential reporting channels and provide psychosocial support for survivors.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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A leading member of the newly rebranded United Party, also known as UP, Hopeson Adorye, has called on Ghanaians who feel dejected or oppressed in politics to join the new party, describing it as a better political home for all.
He made these remarks at the launch and rebranding of the Movement for Change into the United Party (UP) at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Accra on Thursday, October 16.
Mr. Adorye explained that the party was fully ready to serve as an alternative political force to address Ghana’s challenges.
He noted that the UP leadership was focused and determined to change the country’s political structure and bring meaningful transformation.
He stated that the party’s vision was to build a united Ghana, stressing that without unity, the nation could not make real progress.
According to him, the mission of the UP was to create a prosperous country where every citizen could provide for themselves and their families.
Mr. Adorye emphasised that the new party was not formed to destroy any existing political organization but to contest and win elections to bring about the needed change.
He expressed confidence that many Ghanaians from different political backgrounds, including those dissatisfied with their current parties, would join UP+ because of its values and inclusive ideology.
He added that the party was building its structures from the grassroots and hoped to complete them by the end of the year as part of efforts to strengthen its national presence.
The Founder of the United Party (UP), Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, also addressed the gathering and reflected on the transformation of the Movement for Change into the UP+.
He explained that the rebranding marked a new phase of political renewal, symbolized by the monarch butterfly in the party’s logo, which represents transformation, resilience, and endurance.
Mr. Kyerematen noted that the colors of the party yellow, black, and white stood for Ghana’s gold resources, the black star of Africa, and purity, respectively.
He stated that the UP stands for ethical leadership, integrity, and unity, adding that many of its members entered politics to serve the nation, not for personal gain.
He revealed that the party’s Great Transformational Plan (GTP), which has received global recognition, would guide the UP+ government when elected.
“The plan is designed to stabilize the economy, reduce the national debt, and promote industrial growth through ten strategic anchor industries” he added.
He explained that the health policy would emphasize preventive care, community-based services, and the inclusion of traditional and herbal medicine, which many Ghanaians rely on.
Mr. Kyerematen further stated that the UP would promote a strong Pan African agenda, explaining that Ghana’s prosperity must be tied to the wellbeing of the entire continent.
He noted that the party believes in Ghana first, and its policies were anchored on uniting the country and restoring hope in national development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has appealed to the rank and file of the party to rally behind him as he prepares to lead the party in the 2028 elections.
Addressing delegates in Sene East during his campaign tour, he highlighted key contributions to the party.
He revealed that at the behest of former president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he left his job at the Bank of Ghana to work for the NPP.
According to him, many asked him to rescind the decision. However, because of his loyalty to the party, he resigned from the bank to be their running mate.
He added that at the African Development Bank, he resigned in 2012 just to serve the party at the highest level.
“I defended the party in 2012. We lost, but I stayed in Ghana to put pressure on John Dramani Mahama and the NDC,” he added.
He is therefore urging the party to choose continuity and to back his leadership.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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