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Report sexual abuse victims: Police warn religious leaders, community & school heads
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has cautioned religious leaders, school heads, families as well as community leaders, to desist from the act of settling issues of sexual abuse in their communities since their involvement is a violation of the law.
According to the Service, any form of sexual abuse including but not limited to rape and defilement should be reported to the police for legal action, as anyone who involve in settling rape or defilement issues will be dealt with.
The Head of Legal and Prosecution at the Criminal Investigation Department of the GPS, Superintendent Sylvester Asare, gave the caution last week Friday in Accra, at an advocacy campaign meeting on sexual violence against women and girls.
It was organised by the Centre for Health Development and Research (CEHDAR), to educate the public and brainstorm on measures in minimizing sexual abuse in the country.
Superintendent Asare called on women and girls not to shield men who sexually abuse them, adding that victims of sexual abuse should not allow the church, family, friends, as well as community leaders to address the issue without reporting such incidents to the police.
He said it was the responsibility of the police to prosecute perpetrators to minimize incidents of sexual abuse in the society; as such legal action would serve as deterrent to others.
The Acting Director In Charge of Claims at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Abigail Nyarko Cojoe, urged victims of sexual abuse to use their National Health Insurance Card to access their medical care at any public facility for screening, when issued with medical form from the police.
She said the NIA card covers about 90 per cent of the medical cost, including laboratory, medication and consultation, hence, victims could be examining without paying for such services at the any public hospital.
In a speech read on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu said, sexual violence disproportionately affects women and causes devastating consequences such as physical injuries and mental health problems.
She added that a victim of sexual violence suffers long-term, far-reaching consequences, including persistent inequalities between men and women, which limit women and girls’ abilities.
The President of CEHDAR, Dr Jemima Dennis-Antwi used the platform to advise young girls and women to immediately seek medical care when sexually abused to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
BY BERNAR BENGHAN
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
