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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Dear Editor,
I wish to use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
