Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for a non-compromising stance against sexual exploitation in workplaces and academic institutions, warning that nobody should be forced to endure harassment for employment or academic advancement.
Addressing participants at the Sex for Jobs Conference in Accra, organised by The Ark Foundation Ghana, the Vice President emphasized that legislation alone is insufficient to protect vulnerable individuals unless laws and institutional frameworks are rigorously enforced across all sectors.
The conference, held under the theme “Promoting Accountability and Protecting Those Who Have Suffered Abuse,” brought together key stakeholders, civil society organisations, and policymakers to deliberate on effective measures to curb sex-for-jobs trends.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed that preventing sexual abuse demands constant vigilance from government officials, public and private institutions, and ordinary citizens in their daily environments, including workplaces, schools, and homes.
While acknowledging Ghana’s existing legal frameworks and international human rights standards, she pointed out that consistent enforcement remains the country’s primary hurdle.
She noted recent government measures to strengthen gender equity and social protection through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education, and the Ghana Education Service, but maintained that institutional commitment must back these legislative efforts.
She urged both public and private organisations to actively foster working environments that reject exploitation, set firm codes of professional conduct, and demonstrate decisive leadership by taking immediate action whenever wrongdoing is established.
The Vice President commended the Executive Director of The Ark Foundation Ghana, Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, and her team for their relentless advocacy and dedication to safeguarding victims and those at risk of sexual exploitation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana