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“Ghana needs accurate data on sexual violence victims”
A research report on sexual violence against women and girls in Ghana, has called for the need to improve data collection systems to accurately capture the prevalence, nature, and consequence of sexual violence, to help address the menace.
The research which was a three-year project by the African Women’s Development Fund in collaboration with Ford Foundation West Africa and Open Society West Africa, is demanding for a proper accurate data of victims of sexual violence to help seek justice, and as well have proper data to influence policy decision making.
It was conducted in 2022 in partnership with the Centre For Health Development and Research, and the White Ribbon Alliance in Kenya, to scale up intervention to address and reduce sexual violence in the country
Over 4,500 girls and women were engaged during the research, carried out in 11 regions including Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Volta, and Upper West, with information gathered from the respondent using standardized questionnaires.
With institutions such as the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, that provided their input, the research delved into the definition of sexual violence, highlighting the unanimous agreement among the participants that includes any non-consensual abuse or assault among others.
The Technical Consultant of the Project, Dr Jemima Dennis-Antwi, presenting the findings of the report to some selected journalists at a day workshop yesterday in Accra, said, about 70 percent of the respondents understood sexual violence.
She said the age of the respondents was between 10 to 60 years, with most of the respondents who have been sexually abused not able to seek justice due to lack of funds to pay for their medical care.
She added that sexual violence was not a simple issue, as it involves a multi stakeholders factors such as cultural norms, social attitude, legal shortcomings, and economic dependencies, stressing ” addressing sexual violence requires a nuanced understanding of these interrelated factors.”
She further stated that “Sexual Violence has devastating consequences on survivors, affecting them physically, emotionally, and psychologically, the broader impact on society includes strain on healthcare systems, legal framework, and overall community well-being.”
“Comprehensive support services are vital for survivors of sexual violence. Accessible and sensitive healthcare, counselling, and trauma-informed care are essential for healing and recovery,” Dr Dennis-Antwi said.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
