Credit: Francis Kwabena Cofie
Madina, (G/A) July 29, GNA – The Madina Municipal Office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has engaged students of West African Senior High School (WASS) on sexual offences under Ghanaian law, torture, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
The programme formed part of CHRAJ’s ongoing public education mandate to promote awareness of human rights, the rule of law and responsible citizenship.
The event was aimed at increasing legal awareness and promoting respect for human rights among young people.
The CHRAJ delegation was led by the Municipal Director, Mr. John Ato Breboh, and accompanied by Mr. Maxwell Désiré Afrey-Mensah and Mr. Ebenezer Amoquandoh, who are Investigators at the Madina Municipal Office.
Mr Breboh gave a comprehensive overview of major sexual offences recognised under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, including rape, defilement, indecent assault, sexual harassment and incest.
He clarified that, under the current legal framework, defilement concerns unlawful sexual intercourse with a child below the legally prescribed age of consent, while rape relates to non-consensual sexual intercourse with a person recognised by law as capable of giving or withholding consent.
In response to a question by a student as to whether sexual intercourse between step-siblings constitutes incest and the legal implications of such conduct.
Mr. Breboh pointed out that, under Ghanaian law, consensual sexual relations between adult step-siblings do not generally constitute the offence of incest because step-siblings are not related by blood.
He explained the essential legal elements that must be established for each offence, and highlighted the penalties prescribed by law.
He further drew attention to provisions of Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, which criminalise the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and videos, cautioning students about the legal consequences of such conduct.
In a welcome address, Mr. Forrabe Ayer, the Human Resource Head of WASS, noted that educating students on sexual offences and torture was essential to protecting their rights, dignity, and personal safety.
“This awareness also helps foster a culture of respect, accountability, and zero tolerance for violence and abuse within schools and the wider community”, he said.
According to him, it would equip them with the knowledge to recognize abusive behaviour, understand the legal consequences of such acts, respect the rights of others, and know how and where to seek help or report such incidents.
Mr. Afrey-Mensah subsequently led discussions on torture as a serious violation of human rights.
His presentation examined the meaning, forms, causes and effects of torture, while outlining the international, regional and domestic legal instruments that prohibit the practice.
The students actively participated by posing questions on practical legal issues.
Through such engagements, the Commission continues to empower young people with legal knowledge, encourage respect for the rights of others and foster informed decision-making among students.
GNA