By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), July 23, GNA – Students have been encouraged to recognise the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, reject all forms of abuse and build relationships founded on mutual respect, trust and equality.
The encouragement was given by Professor Kiesha Warren-Gordon of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Ball State University and Director of the Africa-America Studies Programme, during the 2026 Women First Symposium held at the OLA Senior High School at Ho.
The symposium, organised by The Feminine Star Africa, in collaboration with Ball State University in the United States was on the theme: “Ending the Cycle of Violence in Our Community,” and brought together students from selected basic and senior high schools in the Ho Municipality, to raise awareness on domestic violence, intimate partner abuse and gender-based violence.
Prof. Warren-Gordon said young people must be equipped with knowledge to identify abusive behaviours before they escalate into violence.
She cautioned students against the growing phenomenon known as “love bombing,” where an individual overwhelms a partner with excessive affection, gifts and attention in the early stages of a relationship as a means of gaining control rather than expressing genuine love.
Prof. Warren-Gordon explained that abuse often begins with emotional manipulation, intimidation and possessiveness before progressing to physical violence.
She urged students to be cautious of controlling behaviours disguised as love and encouraged teachers to pay attention to sudden changes in students’ behaviour, including withdrawal from school activities, fear, low self-esteem and depression, which could signal abuse.
Participants were introduced to the Power and Control Wheel, which illustrated how jealousy, intimidation, threats, emotional abuse, and isolation were used to dominate victims.
They were also educated on the Cycle of Violence, comprising the tension-building stage, the abusive incident and the reconciliation or “honeymoon” phase, during which perpetrators often apologised and make promises before repeating the abuse.
She encouraged students to reject abusive relationships, report incidents of violence and seek support from trusted adults, emphasising that healthy relationships are built on effective communication, mutual respect, and clearly defined personal boundaries.
Mr Stephen Adom, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), urged young people to embrace discipline, self-control and respect for one another, describing those values as essential for personal success and peaceful coexistence.
He said discipline was the foundation of achievement in every profession and encouraged students to remain committed to their studies, resist negative peer pressure and make responsible decisions that would positively shape their future.
Mr Adom advised the youth to avoid harmful behaviours, exercise self-control in relationships and lifestyle choices, and place God at the centre of their lives.
He noted that faith, humility, love, and respect for others were vital ingredients for building strong families and reducing violence within communities.
The MCE acknowledged that both men and women experience different forms of emotional and social challenges and called for greater understanding, empathy and mutual support instead of assigning blame to one gender.
He also expressed gratitude to the development partners from the United States for supporting programmes aimed at improving the welfare of young people and assured them of the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate on future community development initiatives.
Speakers from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, the Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of Gender also educated participants on the various forms of domestic and gender-based violence, reporting mechanisms and the legal, psychosocial and counselling services available to victims.
Madam Benedicta Agbezudor, the Headmistress of OLA Senior High School, commended The Feminine Star Africa and Ball State University for organising the symposium, describing it as timely and relevant to the needs of young women.
She urged students to recognise the early warning signs of abuse and prioritise their education, self-worth and personal safety, stressing that abuse often begins with subtle acts of control rather than physical violence.
Madam Agbezudor identified controlling behaviour, isolation, constant disrespect, refusal to respect personal boundaries and emotional manipulation as key warning signs of abusive relationships.
She encouraged students to value themselves, remain focused on their education and future careers, and never compromise their dignity in search of approval.
She further advised students to speak to parents, guardians, teachers, housemistresses or other trusted adults whenever they felt threatened or uncomfortable, noting that seeking help was a sign of courage and wisdom rather than weakness.
The Headmistress encouraged young women to build purposeful lives founded on confidence, compassion, courage and self-respect, reminding them never to mistake control for love and to always stand up against every form of abuse.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo
July 23, 2026