News
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
South Africa’s Minister of Police Professor Firoz Cachalia, has strongly
condemned the recent xenophobic acts of violence and intimidation directed at Ghanaians and other foreign nationals within the Republic of South Africa.
“These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded. South Africa is a constitutional state governed by the rule of law. No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, irrespective of grievances or frustrations,” he noted.
The Ministry of Police advised the members of the public that acts of xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) has.been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation in addressing these incidents.
All those found to be participating in, inciting, or supporting such criminal conduct will be identified, apprehended, and brought before the courts.
The Ministry of Police called on all communities to remain calm and to reject any attempts to sow division and hatred among residents of our country.
The Ministry further urged community leaders, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to work together with law enforcement agencies to prevent further violence and to promote dialogue and understanding.
The Government of Ghana, through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has commenced the disbursement of grants to beneficiaries ?(2025 cohort) under The Adwumawura Programme, an ambitious national initiative designed to support youth entrepreneurship, stimulate business growth, and drive job creation.
Launched to empower young Ghanaians with the entrepreneurial skills and resources needed to build decent and sustainable businesses.
The Adwumawura Programme, has to date, successfully trained and mentored 10,887 beneficiaries across the country.
These beneficiaries underwent 5 weeks intensive entrepreneurial training, followed by 6 months structured post-training mentorship to strengthen their business models and operational capacity.
As part of the transition from training to funding, a rigorous and transparent selection process was implemented to identify high-potential businesses for grant support.
A Grant Management Committee was duly inaugurated to oversee this process and ensure fairness, accountability, and merit-based selection.
The Committee is composed of representatives from academia, government institutions, financial agencies, development partners, and the private sector, ensuring a balanced and credible oversight structure.
Following the training phase, beneficiaries were required to submit detailed business plans outlining their proposed businesses and Innovations. These submissions underwent an initial one-week screening process, during which applications were assessed based on key criteria, including:Scalability – the potential for business growth and expansion, Job creation potential – the ability to create at least two decent employment opportunities, Sustainability – long-term viability of the business model Feasibility – practicality and readiness for implementation
Shortlisted applicants proceeded to a nationwide pitching phase, where they presented their business ideas before the Grant Management Committee. This stage provided an opportunity for further evaluation and validation of proposals, culminating in comprehensive assessment reports to guide final selection decisions.
Following this rigorous process, 3212 successful beneficiaries have been selected across all regions of the country
The commencement of grant disbursement marks a significant milestone in The Adwumawura Programme’s implementation, reinforcing Government’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, reducing youth unemployment, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
According to NEIP remains dedicated to providing continuous support to beneficiaries through post-disbursement monitoring and business advisory services to ensure the sustainability and success of funded enterprises.
Young entrepreneaurs who could not make it in the year 2025. The 2026 cohort application portal will soon be opened.
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