Sexual harassment remains a serious issue that can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nyansapo Fie Show hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, guest Mr. Fidel Nii Akuffo Bortey from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), spoke on the topic “Sexual Harassment .” Mr. Fidel Nii Akuffo Bortey explained that sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate touching of a person’s body, sexually explicit conversations and the sending of unwanted sexual videos or messages without the person’s consent.
He noted that sexual harassment occurs in several settings, including schools, workplaces, homes and on social media. At workplaces, some employers may harass their employees, while colleagues can also engage in such behaviour. He added that domestic workers and house helps may also experience sexual harassment in homes, sometimes from their employers. According to him, victims may face disbelief when they report such incidents, making it important to preserve available evidence where possible. He further cautioned that hacked social media accounts can also be used to send inappropriate messages, which may constitute a criminal offence.
Fidel Nii Akuffo Bortey highlighted the serious effects sexual harassment can have on victims. He explained that some victims become withdrawn and isolate themselves because experiences of harassment can make it difficult for them to trust or feel comfortable around others. Some may suffer emotional and physical trauma, while others may lose confidence and trust in people. He also noted that, in some cases, victims who are not properly supported may eventually become perpetrators because of what they have experienced.
He urged victims to speak up and report sexual harassment to the appropriate authorities. Depending on where the incident occurs, complaints can be made to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the Police, workplace management or relevant authorities in schools. He stressed that victims should report to people who are capable of taking immediate action. He also emphasized that sexual harassment is not limited to women, as men can equally become victims, and the absence of consent makes the act unacceptable regardless of gender.
Fidel Nii Akuffo Bortey further cautioned against keeping sexual harassment cases hidden, particularly when children are involved. He explained that sexual offences involving minors are treated seriously under Ghanaian law and encouraged victims and people who witness such incidents to report them rather than remain silent. He urged the public to break the culture of silence surrounding sexual harassment, stressing that reporting such cases gives the appropriate authorities the opportunity to investigate and allow the law to take its course.
By: Anita Arthur
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