News
Media urged to stop dramatising defilement cases
The convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, Sheila Minkah-Premo Esq has urged the media to exercise greater sensitivity in reporting defilement cases, as dramatising coverage can traumatise victims, hinder justice and continue harmful stereotypes.
According to her, responsible reporting can create awareness without causing further harm. The media must strike a balance between informing the public and protect survivors.
She made this known at a two-day training workshop organised by The Affirmative Action Law Coalition in collaboration with the Abantu for Development and supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).
The workshop held in Accra brought together representatives from civil society organisations, media houses and governance institutions to deepen their understanding of the laws provision, enhance their advocacy capabilities and promote responsible public reporting in its progress.
“In recent reporting on a defilement case involving a minor, it is aired with dramatic music and blurred visuals of the victims. They sometimes disclosed the location and age of victim making it easy for community members to identify the child,” the convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition stressed.
She stated that when the media dramatises defilement cases, it shifts focus from justice to drama.
She further emphasised that the critical role of the media is public education and dispelling misconceptions about the AAA Law (Gender Act 2024 Act 1121).
She called on stakeholders, from policy makers to community leaders to actively contribute towards realising Ghana’s vision to equitable representation in leadership.
Mary Tobin Osei, a researcher, stated that effective advocacy depends on civic actors and the media must have a full understanding of the law.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
News
Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
News
First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
