By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Feb. 17, GNA – Mr Issifu Ali, a National Affairs and Economic Development Analyst, has condemned attempts by some members of the public to describe Ghanaian women linked to the Russian exploitation saga as “cheap”.
He described the remarks as reckless, dehumanising and a dangerous distraction from deeper national challenges.
Reacting to comments by sections of the Ghanaian public and social media users, Mr Ali said the name-calling and body-shaming were “uncalled for,” stressing that the controversy reflected issues far more serious than public ridicule.
In an interview with Ghana News Agency, he said the women involved in the matter, which centred on a Russian national, Vyacheslav Trahov, should not be reduced to insults or mockery.
“These women are not cheap. What happened reflects exploitation, vulnerability, and systemic weaknesses. A responsible society protects its vulnerable citizens instead of humiliating them,” Mr Ali said.
He explained that allegations of secret recordings, manipulation and digital exposure pointed more to exploitation than moral failure, warning that victim-shaming discouraged the reporting of abuse and weakened public trust in institutions.
“When wrongdoing is defended instead of corrected, moral boundaries collapse. A nation that humiliates its vulnerable citizens ultimately weakens itself,” Mr Ali added.
He linked the incident to broader economic challenges, particularly youth unemployment and idleness, noting that limited opportunities increased emotional and financial vulnerability and made manipulation easier.
“Job creation and dignity are protective social policies, not just economic goals. When young people have nothing meaningful to do, risk becomes attractive.”
Mr Ali described the issues as a reflection of Ghana’s struggling economic and moral structures, cautioning that prolonged hardship could distort decision-making and weaken social resilience.
On tourism and national security, the analyst raised concerns about foreign individuals exploiting local vulnerabilities under the guise of tourism and online content creation.
“Ghana must balance hospitality with protection. We cannot open our doors without safeguarding our citizens, especially young women.”
He said there was a security gap where multiple visitors could gain access to residential apartments without proper identification or accountability, which required urgent attention, and called for modern residential security culture, particularly in urban areas.
Touching on family and cultural guidance, Mr Ali noted that rapid social change had weakened parental supervision and value transmission, leaving many young people to navigate a complex digital world without strong moral or emotional support.
There was also negative influence from sections of the entertainment industry, where lifestyles portrayed by some celebrities did not reflect Ghanaian values, and Ghana’s strong religious presence.
“Religion must transform daily life, not remain ceremonial, we must have honest self-assessment within faith communities.”
He noted that non-consensual recording and online distribution of content caused lasting harm, including psychological trauma and reputational damage that could affect future employment and relationships.
Mr Ali called for stronger digital safety education, greater awareness of consent and strict enforcement of cybercrime laws, describing the protection of dignity in the digital age as a national responsibility.
He said Ghana could develop a three-part national response programme, including accelerated youth employment and skills development, expanded mental health and counselling services, and strengthened parenting and family education initiatives.
He called for strict penalties for non-consensual recording and digital distribution, responsible conduct by public figures, and practical youth protection programmes within religious institutions.
Mr Ali hinted on plans to organise a conference to engage women directly and develop practical support mechanisms aimed at empowerment and protection.
“The women involved are not cheap. What is cheap is a society that mocks it’s wounded instead of fixing what made them vulnerable. Ghana must choose between shaming its citizens and reforming its systems,” he added.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe