Editorial
Expose perpetratorsof domestic violence
MANY Ghanaian families have put protecting their public image ahead of protecting victims for decades, particularly when abuse is committed by family members or close associates.
Too many cases are being buried at the community level, with abusers protected while victims are pressured into silence.
To break the culture of silence that permits sexual abuse to flourish, a nationwide movement has been launched in Accra in order to challenge this deeply ingrained norm by urging communities to speak up, assist survivors, and demand responsibility.
The initiative was launched by Innova DDB Ghana, in collaboration with Family Renaissance International (FRI) and 3Music TV.
The programme, called “Call Them Out,” is a component of events commemorating the International Day of the Child, a global observance devoted to the protection and rights of children. Its goal is to address the long-ignored problem of family sexual abuse.
The truth is that this culture of concealment has long existed and allowed abuse to continue unchecked, but it is time “to call them out” due to the deceptive methods abusers use, the pain survivors experience, and the terrible shame that prevents victims from getting treatment.
As a result, The Spectator applauds the idea since it will help identify perpetrators so that appropriate action can be taken.
In a related development, November 25 is designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women every year in an effort to raise public awareness of the detrimental effects that violence against women has on people’s health.
The annual observance, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, is a period of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, observed from November 25 to December 10 since 1981.
This year’s campaign is on the theme: “Unite! End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.”
It is unfortunate and sad that gender-based violence is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in Ghana.
What worsens the situation is that many victims of violence endure the persistence of sexual and physical abuse within families, a subject often shrouded in silence.
The Spectator calls on traditional authorities, religious leaders and community influencers to stop shielding perpetrators of gender-based violence and allow the law to work.
An enabling environment should be created to protect women and girls so they will feel safe in their own homes and be free from sexual violence.
The media should use their platforms to condemn abuse and intensify education, for no person should “die in silence’’ in a society that values dignity.
Additionally, we urge victims not to feel too intimidated to report, because support services are available to all, regardless of age or social status. Women, girls, men and boys should remain vigilant, support peers, and serve as advocates for early reporting and accountability.
We hope the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) will hasten the construction of shelters promised for the 16 regions to strengthen protection systems for survivors of abuse.
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Last week Friday was National Farmers’ Day, which is observed every year on the first Friday of December to honour farmers for their diligence, commitment, and priceless contributions to supplying us with the food and resources we rely on a daily basis.
At this year’s lavish ceremony, which had as its theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future”, an octogenarian, Mr. Abraham Kwaku Adusei from Kwahu Odumase in the Afram Plains District of the Eastern Region, was adjudged the 2025 National Best Farmer.
His enterprise is overwhelming, which include 300 acres of rice, 600 acres of maize, 207 acres of mango, 300 acres of cashew, 1000 acres of cocoa, and 120 acres of vegetables. For his prize the 82-year-old farmer received a tractor and accessories, cutlasses, Wellington boots and a GH¢1.2 million cheque.
Reports say that this year’s ceremony, which was the most vibrant and well-attended edition in recent years, showcased rich cultural expressions, led by the Paramount Chief of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, who chaired the occasion with a large retinue of chiefs from the region.
Besides individuals winning awards, there were groups such as schools, religious bodies and institutions who received national recognition and support for their contributions and dedication to farming.
The Spectator urges the youth to take a cue from the hard work of our best farmer who is an octogenarian. If an octogenarian could win such an impressive award, there is no doubt that the youth can equally do same. It is a good example to follow.
These days the youth complain of being unemployed just because they are looking for white-collar jobs, but engaging in farming will be a major source of income and create jobs for them.
It is through the hard work of farmers that we have food on our tables every day.
The youth should be encouraged to engage in farming because it has numerous benefits: it is fundamental to food security, provides diverse nutritious options, tackles hunger and malnutrition, creates employment, provides raw materials for industries, and helps to earn foreign exchange through exports.
Besides, it also drives rural development, infrastructure growth, and supports environmental sustainability through practices like agro-forestry.
Without agriculture there will be shortage of food which can have dire consequences to society, creating chaos and instability.
Instead of being idle, we encourage the youth to educate themselves by taking short courses organised by agricultural institutions and learn about local farms and the challenges farmers face to brace themselves up for the task ahead.
The government should also put measures in place to encourage the citizenry to patronise local foods as a way of encouraging farmers whose primary responsibility include planting and harvesting crops which involves extensive work and are labour intensive.
Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment, so let us empower the youth to engage in agriculture to create jobs and also ensure food security.
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Dear Sir,
I wish to use this platform to congratulate all farmers in Ghana for their hard work and dedication to duty on the occasion of 2025 Farmers’ Day celebration.
Yesterday, in Ho in the Volta Region, Ghana marked the 41st edition of the celebration instituted by late former president, Jerry John Rawlings. It was marked under an excellent theme “Eat Ghana, Grow Ghana, Secure the future.” The aim was to promote local consumption, food security and the transformation of agriculture into a key driver of the economy.
The message it seeks to send out there is very loud and clear. That, every Ghanaian should strive to consume food produced locally. The work of our gallant farmers would amount to nothing if Ghanaians fail to consume what they toil morning, day and night to produce.
Farmers in Ghana are one group of people we must continue to celebrate and adore. They work so hard to ensure that food reaches every home in Ghana. And on such occasions, it is important to honour them like its done every year but one thing I wish to bring to the attention of government is that it is important to mechanically support the activities of these farmers and secondly, make the agric sector very attractive for the youth.
The youth have become so fixated on white-collar jobs which are currently non-existing. Government must therefore make the sector attractive enough for the youth to veer into the area.
Maxwell Quarshie,
Swedru
