News
Collective efforts needed to prevent child sexual abuse – Dr Fugah
Reverend Dr Joseline Fugar, Executive Director of Juniper Tree Tamar, a Christian NGO based in Kumasi, has called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to help prevent child sexual abuse.
She said even though there had been lots of advocacy, child sexual abuse continued to increase, especially in the advent of internet and social media, where innocent children were falling prey to sexual predators.
Speaking at the second phase of a child sexual abuse essay writing competition and awards ceremony for school children in the Ejisu Municipality, she stressed that there was the need for collective efforts to speak out against injustice and remain vigilant in protecting the vulnerable.
The essay competition, which involved 10 Junior High Schools and 30 participants, aimed at empowering young individuals, advocate the rejection of sexual abuse, and reduce its prevalence.
Additionally, it sought to provide education, raise awareness, and cultivate knowledgeable leaders who would serve as advocates and peer counselors to their peers.
The competition was part of Juniper Tree’s 10-year nationwide project titled: ‘Sexual Abuse: Prevent it, report it’ which aims to establish various clubs in JHSs to identify and prevent sexual abuse among young individuals.
Dr Fugah highlighted that approximately 33 per cent of children in Ghana have experienced some form of sexual abuse, with almost 95 per cent of the perpetrators being individuals known to the victims.
A report by PLAN GHANA revealed that 53 per cent of these incidents occurred in schools, while 43 per cent took place within homes.
Furthermore, about 14 per cent of the victims were school children, primarily between the ages of 14 and 15.
In the JHS 1 category of the essay competition, Master Jewel Nhyira Mensah of Okyerekrom emerged as the winner with a score of 82.6 per cent, followed by Master Duke Nana Adonteng Appiah of Ejisu Presby and Ms. Christabel Ziyaba of Kwamo M/A in the second and third place, with scores of 78 per cent and 72 per cent, respectively.
For the JHS 2 category, Ms. Evelyn Boakye of Okyerekrom secured first place with a score of 82.2 per cent while Master Annan Amawula of Ejisu Presby came in second with 75 per cent, and Master Louis Sarfo of Kwamo M/A and Ms. Angel Abena Ntiamoah of Ejisu M/A tied for third place with a score of 78.8 per cent.
In the JHS 3 contest, Ms Fafa Lali Lumor of Ejisu Model claimed the top spot with a score of 85.6 per cent followed by Ms. Emelda Amponsah Diko of Ejisu Presby in second place with 81.4 per cent and Ms Emmanuella Selikem Afeke of Ejisu R/C in third place with a score of 80 per cent.
All participants received certificates, exercise books, and medals in recognition of their achievements. –GNA
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
