THREE CHILDREN SEXUALLY ABUSED IN GHANA DAILY-POLICE CID

Figures from the Criminal Investigations Department, CID, indicate that in 2017, one thousand, 685 children were sexually abused. Also, three children are sexually abused in Ghana everyday. These figures exclude rape.

 Again, statistics show there is massive gender inequality in society while in the media, males are given more space than their female counterparts. These came to the fore at a seminar on Ethical Gender Reporting for Journalists in Kumasi, organized by the Centre of Journalism and Ethics with support from the High Commission of Canada. 

Press Secretary to former President, late Dr. Hilla Limann, Mohammed Adam, who was the resource person, noted that as the ethics of journalism dictate, ‘journalists must always write with fairness, accuracy, integrity and sensitivity when reporting on gender sensitive issues.’ 

He called on journalists to be sensitive when reporting issues on gender especially women and children. They must also be ethical in their reportage in order not to infringe on the rights of victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Adam asked ‘journalists to avoid stereotyping women and girls, trivializing or objectifying and using demeaning words for them.’ 

In a speech read for her, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Heather Cameron said Canada launched its Feminist International Assistance Policy in July last year, with the aim of impacting positively on gender equality. 

This is because empowering women and girls will help reduce poverty, create lasting peace and achieve sustainable development. She said ‘all over the world, women and girls are vulnerable to gender-based violence such as physical and sexual abuse, and emotional and economical extortion.’ 

Madam Cameron said the media can sensitize the public to the consequences of their actions and inactions on issues bordering on gender inequality. She was hopeful that the seminar would go a long way to positively impact Ghana’s gender equality agenda.