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Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) marks first anniversary, promoting alternatives to violence against children

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hanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) marks first anniversary, promoting alternatives to violence against children Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) marks first anniversary, promoting alternatives to violence against children[/caption]

Millions of people have been reached with messages preventing abuse and promoting the wellbeing of children in the first year of the Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) social drive which was launched byHer Excellency the Second Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Samira Bawumia in November 2017.

More than five million people have been reached with the campaign messages: more than two million of the audience reached via the GACA digital platforms, and over three million people engaged through community mobile theatres and dialogues including offline visibility via messaging on bill boards across Ghana.  In the last year, approximately 70 districts across all ten regions in Ghana carried activities and events related to the GACA campaign touching more than 1,000 communities were reached.

The GACA campaign is a joint Programme of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education, UNICEF and NGO partners.  It is generously supported by Global Affairs Canada, KOICA Korea and USAID Ghana.

Reflecting on the achievements, Honourable Minister for Local Government, Hajia Alima Mahama said “I’m optimistic of a leap in our country’s human development, if the momentum generated is sustained and scaled up”.

With the ultimate goal to ‘promote the wellbeing of children, prevent abuse and protect children from harm’, the GACA campaign seeks to reduce the acceptance of social practices that have negative consequences on children. The campaign also mobilizes a critical mass of people to positively influence social norms and promote the adoption of behaviours favourable to the protection of children and adolescents. Ultimately, the social drive is expected to support the reduction of violence against children and adolescents, including harmful practices.

 

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We are encouraged by the commitment and the wonderful stories and testimonials resulting from the campaign. With the communities and all partners, we look forward to further reducing the incidence of violence against children in the coming years,” says Anne-Claire Dufay, UNICEF Representative in Ghana.

In Ghana, more than 90 per cent of children have reportedly experienced some form of violence, either in their residence or school environment (Source: 2011 Mapping and Analysis of Ghana’s Child Protection System report).

It is against this background that the Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) social drive was launched.The 19th of November 2018 was chosen to celebrate the GACA first Anniversary, as this coincides with theWorld Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.  One year after the GACA campaign was launched, it is a good opportunity to show what is already changing in Ghana for the improved protection of children and adolescents and to inspire more people to join the national campaign. It is also important to reflect on possible gaps and proposed strategies moving forward.

 

The GACA campaign currently has eleven thematic pillars addressing pressing child protection and sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) issues in Ghana, with a focus on adolescent girls and boys. The pillars of the campaign include Child Sexual Abuse, Child Trafficking, Corporal Punishment, Child Labour, Verbal Abuse and Child Marriage.

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Reflecting on the achievements, Honourable Minister for Local Government, Hajia Alima Mahama said: “I’m optimistic of a leap in our country’s human development, if the momentum generated is sustained and scaled up.

With the ultimate goal to ‘promote the wellbeing of children, prevent abuse and protect children from harm’, the GACA campaign seeks to reduce the acceptance of social practices that have negative consequences on children, by creating a critical mass of people to promote the adoption of behaviours favourable to the protection of children and adolescents. Ultimately, the social drive is expected to support the reduction of violence against children and adolescents, including harmful practices.

 

We are encouraged by the commitment demonstrated and the emerging stories and testimonials resulting from the campaign so far. We look forward to hearing more positive results of GACA and to see a greater reduction of violence against children in the coming years,” says Anne- Claire Dufay, UNICEF Country Representative.

The GACA campaign currently has eleven thematic pillars addressing pressing child protection and sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) issues in Ghana with a strong focus on adolescent girls and boys. The pillars of the campaign include Child Sexual Abuse, Child Trafficking, Corporal Punishment, Child Labour, Verbal Abuse and Child Marriage among others.

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The Safe Schools Programme (SSP) seeks to address the root causes of violence at school, including corporal punishment, sexual harassment and bullying. It will be launched officially on the occasion of the GACA anniversary commemorative event. A Safe School Resource Pack (SSRP), developed by Ghana Education Service (GES), with support from UNICEF, has been designed to help prevent school-based violence, including Gender Based Violence as well as equipping teachers, Guidance and Counselling Coordinators, children and adolescents with the needed skills to ensure that schools are free from all forms of violence.

Stories from our children tell us that this is critical. For example, in a school within the Ejisu -Juaben Municipal district, Kwamina got in trouble for not submitting his homework, he received the same punishment that many students have been getting for generations – caning. The twelve-year-old primary school pupil explained that he forgot his book in class hence couldn’t complete his assignment, but this explanation was not enough to save him from receiving the lashes.

According to Honorable Barbara Asher Ayisi, Deputy Minister of Education, the Safe Schools Program within the GACA campaign seeks to address key issues such as corporal punishment, and offers alternatives in a positive outlook.

 

“I have children and I will never want to see them abused. Child abuse still happens in Ghana and it must end. Be a Ghanaian Against Child Abuse” says Her Excellency the Second Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Samira Bawumia as she made a call for others to join the GACA campaign on social media.

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“Creating a safe and non-abusive society is a collective responsibility and I will like to call on every Ghanaian to join the campaign and make Ghana a safe place for our children” says the Honourable Cynthia Morrison, Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection.

We urge the public to join us in celebrating the success of the campaign and commit to take the GACA pledge to be Ghanaian Against Child Abuse as we fight for a violence free future for our children and adolescents in Ghana. ]]>

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

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‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

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In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented. 

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.

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DJ Khaled Announces Second Annual We The Best Foundation Golf Classic On June 12 & 13 in Miami Beach !

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GRAMMY® Award-winning, global megastar DJ Khaled proudly announces the return of his annual WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC for the second year in a row.

For 2024, the mega-popular charity event expands to two days on Wednesday June 12 and Thursday June 13 in Miami, FL. Given the demand by countless superstar artists, A-list athletes, and entertainers to participate, he needed to stretch the proceedings over two days!

Once again, the event will be sponsored by Jordan Brand, and all proceeds support the We The Best Foundationand its numerous efforts to bolster education. Stay tuned for the multitude of exciting confirmed guests, and more.

Khaled created a cultural groundswell and personally appeared on ESPN’s SPORTSCENTER to break the news of the second installment of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC today. Watch HERE.

Regarding the return of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC, he commented, “Last year, the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC brought out so many friends and family to make a difference, play some great golf, and have an incredible day for a great cause. This year, we’re going even bigger, and we thank everyone for their continued support. TEE UP AND BLESS UP!”

Last year, the inaugural WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC hosted Serena Williams, pro golfers Michael Block and Bubba Watson, Odell Beckham, JR., Shannon Sharpe, Victor Cruz, Jalen Rose, Terrell Owens, Marcus Jordan, Jeezy, Quavo, The-Dream, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Fat Joe, Cedric The Entertainer, Joey Fatone, and more. The foundation raised over $500,000 which benefited the enrichment of children and youth through educational programming, scholarships, and extracurricular activities.

More guests and partners for 2024 will be unveiled soon.

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