By Benjamin Akoto
Sunyani (Bono), Oct. 08, GNA – Participants at a training on sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment have called for the establishment of shelters in the regions to provide safe accommodation for survivors of abuse.
They said the lack of shelters sometimes compelled rescued survivors to return to abusive environments, undermining efforts to protect their safety, rights, and dignity.
The participants made the call at a two-day training organised by the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) in Sunyani under its “EmpowHer” project.
With support from Global Affairs Canada, the training equipped the participants, mainly teachers, with the requisite knowledge and skills to identify sexual abuse and exploitation, and guide students and survivors to seek appropriate support.
Madam Lydia Effah Duodu, Sunyani Municipal Education Service Coordinator for the School Health Education Programme (SHEP), expressed concern about cases of sexual abuse and the challenges associated with finding safe accommodation for survivors.
“The major challenge is that when we rescue some of these children, we are sometimes forced to return them to the same people because there are no shelters where we can keep them safe”, she said.
Madam Duodu said the lack of safe accommodation also made it difficult for some adults, particularly women in abusive marriages, to leave abusive environments.
“Some women in abusive marriages have refused to leave because they have nowhere to go,” she said.
Mr Joseph Nakpandom, a teacher at HAYLLIS International School, called on the Government and relevant agencies to respond promptly to cases involving abused children.
He said delays in securing safe accommodation for survivors could expose them to further abuse.
“Sending a child back to the environment he or she came from can expose the child to further abuses,” he said.
Mr Nakpandom called for stronger collaboration among schools, social welfare institutions, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to facilitate timely protection and support for survivors.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Bertha Badu-Agyei/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
8 October 2026
Reporter: Benjamin Akoto