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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
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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.
