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Point of View When a Counsellor needs counseling: The case of ‘Counsellor’ Lutterodt
The controversial counsellor, Rev. Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, popularly called Counsellor Lutterodt has gained prominence in the media landscape for his punchy, sharp and different approach to counselling people.
Though this has shot him to fame, in most cases, he is hauled over the coals for his seemingly blunt and somewhat insensitive approach to counsel on radio and television.
There had been many instances where the general public had called for his withdrawal from the media to cease his engagement with the public, but to no avail.
At some point, the Ghana Psychological Council in a letter seeking to ban Rev. George Lutterodt from counselling on radio and television strongly stated that:
“A person who does not have the requisite qualification and who is not registered with the Council but willfully and falsely uses any name, title or in addition implying a qualification of practice as psychologist or counsellor and practices or profess to practice psychology of which include counselling or receives payment to provide psychological services commits an offence and is punishable by law”.
He however, he fired back saying he was not a psychologist but a pastoral counsellor, therefore, the council could not ban him from discharging his duties, adding that he graduated and was ordained as a pastoral counsellor in 2005 and has since practised his trade in that manner.
This banter went under the bridge peacefully, as Rev. George Lutterodt went about his controversial path on radio and television.
But what broke the camel’s back, this time round, was a submission he made on Adom TV to the effect that”every rape victim enjoys the act. Anytime the act begins, you’re not ready for it but during the act, you consent to it,” a comment that has seen him being reprimanded by many Ghanaians and institutions.
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Cynthia Mamle Morrison has described the comment as “insane”.
“Has he raped somebody before? Does he know how rape victims feel about being raped… it is sad that the interview went on. What was the programme about? How can somebody behave like that? This is so insane. This is just not right,” she stated.
Following the incessant pressure, ‘Counsellor’ Lutterodt has apologised for his goof, for discussing such a sensitive matter as rape comically and downplaying a criminal offence.
Some may say that, it is his style, but as a pastoral counsellor as he claims, he should know that every issue cannot be approached with the same method and get a positive result; there must be variations.
Due to the trauma victim’s face, he should be tactful and show some empathy when dealing with very sensitive topics on radio and TV.
The trauma of being raped or sexually assaulted can be shattering, leaving one feeling scared, ashamed, and lonely or plagued by nightmares, flashbacks, and other unpleasant memories.
The world doesn’t feel like a safe place any longer as some victims do not trust anyone. This is a traumatic experience, which should not be used as a joking matter by counsellor or anybody.
Rev.Lutterodt should not be obsessed with the media trends and the social media relevance those controversial comments bring him.
He should respect his office as a Man of God and be measured in his utterances, as well as take lessons on public speaking.
Now that he has apologised, it is my hope that Rev. Lutterodt will meditate on this situation and be empathetic towards people as well as the respect sensibilities of others by changing his approach towards sensitive issues.
A word to the wise….
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
