Felicity Nelson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, said on JoyNews’ Newsfile that traditional and religious leaders should no longer intervene to seek private settlements in sexual abuse cases. She urged that the police investigate such allegations to ensure accountability and protect victims.
Nelson highlighted the recent accusations of sexual abuse involving female students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, noting that the practice of elders, chiefs, queen mothers, pastors and imams pleading on behalf of alleged offenders undermines justice. She said the Ghanaian culture must reject the idea that a crime, especially a sexual offence, can be resolved through informal community intervention.
She added that if it were her wish, the practice should be criminalised. Nelson stressed that allegations must be thoroughly investigated and that the welfare of alleged victims should be prioritised with psychological, emotional and medical support.
Referencing UNICEF reports, Nelson cited that 22 per cent of adolescent girls had experienced some form of sexual abuse and that 51 per cent of secondary‑school girls suffered abuse between 2019 and 2021. She described the problem as endemic, warning that incidents at Obuasi reflect a wider national concern.
Nelson called for stronger safeguarding systems to protect children, ensure complaints are handled appropriately and prevent alleged perpetrators from escaping scrutiny through community interventions.
