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“Ghana needs accurate data on sexual violence victims”

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A research report on sexual violence against women and girls in Ghana, has called for the need to improve data collection systems to accurately capture the prevalence, nature, and consequence of sexual violence, to help address the menace.
The research which was a three-year project by the African Women’s Development Fund in collaboration with Ford Foundation West Africa and Open Society West Africa, is demanding for a proper accurate data of victims of sexual violence to help seek justice, and as well have proper data to influence policy decision making.
It was conducted in 2022 in partnership with the Centre For Health Development and Research, and the White Ribbon Alliance in Kenya, to scale up intervention to address and reduce sexual violence in the country 
Over 4,500 girls and women were engaged during the research, carried out in 11 regions including Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Volta, and Upper West, with information gathered from the respondent using standardized questionnaires.
With institutions such as the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, that provided their input, the research delved into the definition of sexual violence, highlighting the unanimous agreement among the participants that includes any non-consensual abuse or assault among others.
The Technical Consultant of the Project, Dr Jemima Dennis-Antwi, presenting the findings of the report to some selected journalists at a day workshop yesterday in Accra, said, about 70 percent of the respondents understood sexual violence.
She said the age of the respondents was between 10 to 60 years, with most of the respondents who have been sexually abused not able to seek justice due to lack of funds to pay for their medical care.
She added that sexual violence was not a simple issue, as it involves a multi stakeholders factors such as cultural norms, social attitude, legal shortcomings, and economic dependencies, stressing ” addressing sexual violence requires a nuanced understanding of these interrelated factors.”
She further stated that “Sexual Violence has devastating consequences on survivors, affecting them physically, emotionally, and psychologically, the broader impact on society includes strain on healthcare systems, legal framework, and overall community well-being.”
“Comprehensive support services are vital for survivors of sexual violence. Accessible and sensitive healthcare, counselling, and trauma-informed care are essential for healing and recovery,” Dr Dennis-Antwi said.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey




