Lesotho Wire

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called on government and other relevant stakeholders to take action to eradicate stigma and discrimination in all forms against women and girls, and key populations.

The action should protect their human rights and improve access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.

The call was part of efforts to stand in solidarity with all vulnerable people globally in commemorating this year’s UN Zero Discrimination Day, a statement sent to GNA by CHRAJ, signed by its Commissioner, Mr Joseph Whittal said.

This year’s theme, ‘To Protect Everyone’s Health, Protect Everyone’s Right’, focuses on ensuring equality and fairness for everyone, especially women, girls, and key populations.

Discriminatory practices, policies and laws, according to the statement, contributed to inaccessibility of critical health and social services, resulting in poor public health outcomes, especially for those in vulnerable or underserved communities.

Current st
atistics of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana stands at 354,927, with an estimated 16,574 new HIV infections in 2022.

Females accounted for two thirds (10,927) of the new HIV infections, and one-third (5,647) were males.

The Ghana AIDS Commission and the National AIDS Control Programme has put in place various initiatives targeted at preventing new infections, reducing viral loads of patients and improving access to antiretroviral therapy.

Despite those initiatives, it said Ghana fell short of achieving the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 treatment targets by the end of 2020, albeit, some significant advancement in HIV/AIDS management.

Even though there are laws and policies in Ghana that protected people against stigma and discrimination, the statement said issues of stigma and discrimination persisted, especially against women and girls and key populations curtailing their human rights and obstructing their access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.

‘For instance
, the latest Ghana Statistical Service report revealed 78 per cent of women and 72 per cent of men were reported to have discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV.

‘Besides, women alleged as witches and banished from their communities also suffer stigma and discrimination among other human rights violations which require government intervention,’ it said.

The Commission’s recent health screening exercise for women and children in four alleged ‘witch camps’ revealed lack of medical check-ups to aid in early detection of diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, typhoid fever, and HIV.

‘These vulnerable women suffer multiple levels of stigma and discrimination based on their gender, sex, age and socioeconomic status,’ it noted.

Access to healthcare facilities and testing centres, especially in rural and remote areas was another related challenge.

Moreover, issues of long distance to healthcare facilities and limited infrastructure contributed to barriers in accessing essential services by unde
rserved populations.

The Commission, according to the statement, recognised Ghana’s recent commitment to the Global Partnership for Action to eliminate all forms of stigma and discrimination through evidence-based interventions, especially in healthcare, education, and workplace settings.

‘Yet, there are existing gaps that require urgent action,’ it said.

The Commission called on government to protect women alleged as witches from stigma and discrimination through operationalising the ‘Anti-Witchcraft’ Bill passed by Parliament in July 2023 and awaiting President’s assent.

It also urged all stakeholders to design and/or implement collaborative measures to combat stigma and discrimination through awareness campaigns and community sensitisation programmes.

‘This is significant because efforts to combating stigma and discrimination are critical to improving Ghana’s HIV service utilisation and outcomes, especially as Ghana seeks to achieve UNAIDS Project 95-95-95 with the ambitious goal of ending the epidemi
c by 2030,’ it added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu, President of the Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana, has called on women in the agricultural value chain to harness the power of their diversity to propel the agricultural sector to new heights of excellence.

She made the call at the sixth edition of ‘Gathering of the Royals’, an event organised by the Agrihouse Foundation, an Agriculture Advocacy nongovernmental organisation and Queen Mothers Foundation, on the theme: ‘Seeds of change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honoring Women’s Advancement’.

Nana Ama Bonsu also advised women in agriculture to embrace the spirit of collaboration and unity that defined their collective endeavours.

She explained that the ‘Gathering of the Royals’ was not merely an event, but a proof of the collective dedication of Queen mothers who were the pillars of strength within their communities.

‘It is a platform where wisdom is shared, experiences are exchanged, and innovative solutions are cultivated to address the challenges facing our a
gricultural landscape.

‘This collaboration epitomises our shared commitment to advancing agribusiness and driving sustainable development across our beloved nation,’ she explained.

She lauded the Agrihouse Foundation for its steadfast commitment to empowering communities through agriculture and its unwavering support that had been instrumental in making the gathering possible.

‘Your insights, perspectives, and contributions are invaluable as we chart a course towards a more prosperous and sustainable future,’ she added.

Ms Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, said it was obvious that the heart of food systems was women, at the spirit of sustainable farming were women, and at the soul of advancing the full cycle participation of women in agribusiness were women.

Mr Yaw Frimpong Addo, the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, applauded the Foundations for its efforts and good work in improving agriculture on the feminine side.

The Foundations presented a citation to
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, a former First Lady of Ghana for her unwavering support for the Agricultural sector, especially through the contribution of women.

Madam Agyeman Rawlings, giving a heartwarming appreciation to the Foundation, recapped how her late husband, Flight Lieutenant Jerry-John Rawlings was instrumental in Agriculture.

Present at the event were Nana Akuah Tawiah I, Queen-mother of Sewfi Asempa na Eye – Western North Region, Nana Adwoa Larboh I, Queen-mother Yeji Traditional Area – Bono East Region, Mariama Saaka, Queen-mother of Sadoboora – Wungu Traditional Area – North East Region, and Braimah Azara Kabachewurche Timu Burnyanso I, Queen-mother of Kabache – Kpeme Traditional Council – Savannah Region.

Others were Nana Aba Kyere III, Queen-mother of Abirem Agona – Central Region, Nana Amponsah Antwiwaa, Queen-mother of Adasawase (Atiwa – East) – Eastern Region, Mama Asornawo Sekle II, Queen-mother of Mafi Gidikpi number 1- Volta Region, and Nana Darkowaa Ampem Kyerewaa II, Paramount Que
en-mother of Yamfo Traditional Area, Ahafo Region.

Within the last five years, ‘Gathering of the Royals’ has brought together over 2,973 women farmers, Queen-mothers in agriculture and other agribusiness champions to delve deep into finding common solutions to burning issues affecting women’s advancement in Agribusiness and in the development of sustainable farmers.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) has elected new executives to steer affairs in the Volta Region.

The Council, known for its commitment to matters concerning artisanal fishermen in the country and creating the platform to address their concerns and grievances, held the exercise to choose their Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Organizer, Public Relations Officer(PRO), Treasurer and Financial Secretary respectively.

Delegates from all 28 landing beaches in the region exercised their franchise with a total membership of 55 to elect officers.

After a successful election, Mr. Doe Nkekeshie, the Chief Fisherman of Anloga, was elected the Regional Chairman with Mr. Abotsi Agbeko as the Vice Chairman.

Others were Mr Victor Dzokoto as Secretary, Mr John Adjaho as the Organiser, and Mr Vance Kwaku Adedze as the PRO.

Mr. Joshua Agbesudo Kaleawo and Mr. Ekpe Honu Salah who contested the Treasurer and Financial Secretary positions respectively, went unopposed.

Mr. Seth Kedey, the National Publi
c Relations Officer for the Council, charged the new Regional Executives to protect the interest of the fisherfolks in the region.

He also urged them to enforce the laws and policies that regulate the activities of the sector.

Mr. Doe Nkekeshie, on behalf of the newly elected executives, pledged to work unanimously and offer their best support to the fishermen in the Volta Region.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Koforidua Police Training School in the New Juaben Municipality has successfully graduated 187 recruits who have undergone rigorous training and are now ready to serve and protect communities with dedication and professionalism.

The impressive number signifies a significant boost in the country’s law enforcement capabilities, and their contribution will undoubtedly play a crucial role in maintaining peace and order.

They are made up of 29 sergeants, seven corporals, and 151 recruits who completed the Basic Police Training Programme for the cohort of 2023/2024.

During the six-month training, the recruits learned riding, driving, swimming, crowd control, incident, disaster, crime scene and traffic management, radio communication, intelligence collection, and community-based patrols.

Other courses included charge office administration, access control, arrest and search procedures, use of force and human rights, client care and professional police ethics, tactical advancement, weapon handling, and high-risk
operations.

Addressing the graduands, Commissioner of Police (COP) Habiba Yaa Akyere Twumasi-Sarpong, Director General, Welfare of the Ghana Police Service, explained that the courses provided were designed to enhance their skills in various aspects of life.

She highlighted the importance of being passionate about their work, treating everyone with importance, and serving the country with justice, respect, and dignity.

She encouraged graduates to commit to their work, demonstrate professionalism, avoid unethical behaviour, and aim for excellence in all their endeavours.

Outstanding candidates were recognised for their exceptional achievements in their respective fields.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Plan International Ghana has organised a six-day capacity-building training for some youth-led groups within its Southern Programme Influencing and Impact Area (SPIIA) in Ho, in the Volta Region.

As partners of Plan International Ghana, the youth-led groups were equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills that would enable them to effect significant changes in their communities.

Mr William Domapielle, Programme Officer of Plan International Ghana, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, stated that the primary goal of the organisation was to ensure equality in society.

He emphasised the significance of the training in ensuring that the youth-led groups carry out their projects or activities in accordance with the guidelines established by Plan International Ghana or its policies as its partners.

The Programme Officer said Plan International Ghana prioritised empowering the youth because it recognised the critical role they played and their potential to effect positive change.

Mr Adamu Abubakari
, Child Protection and Safeguarding Specialist at Plan International Ghana told GNA that protecting children was essential to Plan’s work.

In light of the pervasiveness of violence against children, he said, it was critical that the systems required to guarantee their safety and protection at all times be established.

One critical area covered during the training was the Plan’s safeguarding policy, and the participants were empowered with the knowledge necessary to establish a secure environment for children and other marginalised members of society.

The training also examined the issues of gender, with the aim of equipping the groups with relevant information to become agents of change in their respective?communities and promote equal rights for all.

The participants also acquired empowerment in the areas of financial management, budgeting, and financial reporting to guarantee transparency and accountability in the execution of all their projects and activities.

Communication was another critical area t
hat the training focused on, as it played a pivotal role in amplifying the impact of community initiatives and showcasing them to the rest of the world.

The training forms part of the Plan’s? commitment to empowering two million girls to enjoy inclusive quality learning, entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, and become active drivers for change in sexual reproductive health.

It also reflects the organisation’s? commitment to fostering empowered, knowledgeable, and influential youth-led groups that would contribute to positive change in their communities.

Some participants who spoke with the GNA expressed excitement for the programme and stated that they had acquired the information needed to carry out their initiatives successfully.

Source: Ghana News Agency

First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has unveiled the logo for the 50th?anniversary celebration of the SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana.?

Mrs Akufo-Addo, who is a patron of the institution, said that over the past 50 years, the SOS Children’s Villages had been a beacon of hope, compassion, and transformation in the lives of countless children in need of care and protection.

She acknowledged that the institution’s programme initiatives had left an indelible footprint on the landscape of child welfare, as it worked to ensure that ‘No Child Grows Up Alone’.

Mrs Akufo-Addo said a reflection on the work and impact of the Villages showed a legacy of quality childcare that had shaped the destinies of children in need, who found solace and a sense of belonging within the warm embrace of the SOS families in Tema, Asiakwa, Kumasi, and Tamale.

She commended SOS for not only concentrating on the Villages alone but also rolling out various child protection and community intervention programmes, geared towards strengthening
families to provide better care and support the holistic development of children.

The First Lady said such programmes were tailored to meet seven strategic goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on goals five, three, four, eight, 10, and 17, aimed at contributing towards Ghana’s development agenda.

She said with barely six years to meet the Agenda 2030 and the realisation of the SDGs, many stakeholders had expressed worry about the existing vast development gap in meeting them and called for coordinated stakeholder partnership and coherence in achieving these targets.

Mrs Akufo-Addo called on benevolent institutions, businesses, and individuals to join hands with SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana in achieving its mission and reaching out to many more children in need.

This, she said, would help to provide every Ghanaian child with an opportunity to grow up in a loving and supportive environment and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Mr Alexander Mar Kekula, the National Di
rector of SOS Children’s Villages in Ghana, presenting the concept of the 50th-anniversary?logo, announced the theme for the celebration as: ‘SOS Children’s Villages, celebrating 50 years of transforming lives in Ghana.’

Mr Kekula said the logo comprised the map of Ghana, a cyan ribbon, and an embedded 50th, explaining that the map symbolised the institution’s strong connection and commitment to the country.

He said SOS was an integral part of the country’s landscape, playing a significant role in transforming the lives of children, young people, families facing difficult situations, and communities.

Also, the cyan ribbon encircling the map represented unity, protection, and support, adding that it signified the stability of care provided by the villages to the children in need of care and protection, while the embedded 50th also signified the duration or period year of the celebration.

Mr Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi, popularly known as ‘Bola Ray,’ the SOS brand ambassador, also commended the Villages for
holding on to their promise to ensure that every child belonged to a family and was embraced with love and care.

Mr Adisi said SOS had initiated several successful programmes in the past and presently and called on stakeholders to look into the future with hope and determination, to work towards making a difference in the lives of those in need.

Mr Yves Hanson-Nortey, the Member of Parliament for Tema Central, and an old student of SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College, commended the school for instilling the spirit of service and integrity in them.

Activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary include floats across all programme areas, an open house for the association to interact with beneficiaries, a football competition between the Villages, coding for kids, and an awards and dinner night.

Source: Ghana News Agency