By Muyid Deen Suleman
Ejisu (Ash), March 30, GNA – Reverend Dr. Joseline Fugar, Executive Director of Juniper Tree Tamar, a Christian NGO based in Kumasi, has called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to end child sexual exploitation in the country.
She noted that despite sustained advocacy, incidents of child sexual abuse continue to rise, particularly with the growing influence of the internet and social media, where unsuspecting children are increasingly targeted by sexual predators.
Dr. Fugar made the call during the third phase of a child sexual abuse essay-writing competition and awards ceremony held for schoolchildren at Krapa in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region. She emphasized the importance of collective action, urging citizens to speak out against injustice and remain vigilant in safeguarding vulnerable children.
The competition, which involved 10 Junior High Schools and 30 learners, aimed to empower young people, encourage them to reject sexual abuse, and contribute to reducing its prevalence.
Juniper Tree Tamar is a Christian, non-profit, non-governmental pastoral care and counselling organisation registered as a charity with the Social Welfare Department. Its mission is to express God’s comfort, restoration, and hope through counselling and support for people in distress, while working to establish caregiving centres across all regions of Ghana and beyond.
Dr. Fugar explained that the competition forms part of the organisation’s 10-year nationwide project titled “Sexual Abuse: Prevent it, report it,” which seeks to establish clubs in Junior High Schools to help identify and prevent sexual abuse among young people.
This year’s theme was “Standing up and staying safe: what the Tamar Club taught me about preventing sexual abuse.”
She disclosed that about 33 per cent of children in Ghana have experienced some form of sexual abuse, with nearly 95 per cent of perpetrators known to the victims. Citing a PLAN Ghana report, she said 53 per cent of such incidents occur in schools, while 43 per cent happen in homes. She added that about 14 per cent of victims are schoolchildren, mainly between the ages of 14 and 15.
In the JHS 1 category, Ms. Rayna Maclaud Nana Yaa Asumadu of Kwamo MA JHS placed first, followed by Master Jayden Marfo of Ejisu MA Model JHS in second place, and Ms. Heleen Owusu of Fumesua Anglican Model JHS in third.
For the JHS 2 category, Master Jeron Boakye of Okyerekrom MA JHS emerged first, Master Duke Nana Adonteng Appiah of Ejisu Presby Model JHS placed second, and Master Joel Somuah of Ejisu RC Model JHS came third.
In the JHS 3 category, Ms. Ama Takyiwaa Hyeaman of Ejisu MA Model JHS won first place, Master Louis Sarfo of Kwamo MA JHS placed second, and Ms. Angel Abena Ntiamoah of Ejisu MA JHS finished third.
Master Jeron Boakye of Okyerekrom MA JHS was adjudged the overall best essay writer.
All participants received certificates, exercise books, school bags, and medals in recognition of their achievements.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah