Author: Daniel Sasu

Academic Warns of Rising Abuse Cases in Schools, Urges Strong Legal Deterrence

Professor Aheto has called for urgent legal reforms to criminalise sexual relationships between teachers and students, describing the practice as an abuse of authority that undermines education systems and endangers young learners.

He argues that existing disciplinary measures within educational institutions are not strong enough to deter offenders, and that only clear criminal sanctions will effectively protect students from exploitation.

The academic’s remarks add to growing concerns about safeguarding in schools, where reports of inappropriate relationships between educators and students have continued to surface, prompting calls for stronger enforcement mechanisms.

Power Imbalance at the Centre of Concern

Prof. Aheto stressed that the teacher–student relationship is inherently unequal, making any form of sexual involvement a violation of trust and professional ethics, regardless of consent claims.

He warned that such conduct not only damages the psychological wellbeing and academic performance of students but also erodes public confidence in the education system.

Call for Legislative Action

He is urging policymakers to introduce explicit laws that define and criminalise sexual relationships between teachers and students, with clear penalties to deter offenders and protect vulnerable learners.

According to him, disciplinary procedures alone—such as dismissal or suspension—are insufficient, especially in cases where victims suffer long-term emotional and psychological harm.

Education Sector Under Scrutiny

The call comes amid renewed debate about safeguarding standards in schools, with stakeholders pushing for stronger reporting systems, improved oversight, and mandatory training on professional boundaries for teachers.

Child protection advocates say clearer legal frameworks could help close gaps that allow abuse cases to go unpunished or be handled only administratively.

Push for Stronger Safeguards

As discussions intensify, Prof. Aheto’s proposal is expected to fuel wider conversations about child protection laws and institutional accountability within the education sector.

The debate now centres on whether Ghana should move beyond policy guidelines and make teacher–student sexual relationships a specific criminal offence with enforceable penalties designed to deter misconduct and protect students.

Church Expands Clergy Strength in Major Spiritual Milestone

The Methodist Church Ghana has commissioned 90 new ministers in a solemn but celebratory ordination ceremony, marking a significant boost to its pastoral workforce and spiritual outreach efforts across the country.

The event, described by church leadership as a defining moment in the life of the denomination, brought together clergy, families, and congregants in a vibrant display of worship and commitment.

“Called to Serve with Integrity” — Leaders Charge New Ministers

Church leaders urged the newly ordained ministers to uphold discipline, humility, and integrity as they step into full-time ministry roles.

They emphasized that the responsibility of shepherding congregations requires dedication not only to preaching but also to community service, moral leadership, and spiritual guidance.

Strengthening Church Outreach Nationwide

The commissioning of the 90 ministers is expected to strengthen the church’s presence in parishes and mission stations across Ghana, particularly in underserved communities where clergy shortages have been a challenge.

Officials say the new ministers will help expand evangelism, pastoral care, youth ministry, and social outreach programmes.

Emotional Moments and Celebrations

The ceremony was marked by emotional scenes as candidates took vows of service, with families and congregants celebrating years of academic and spiritual preparation culminating in their ordination.

Worship sessions, hymns, and prayers filled the atmosphere as the church reaffirmed its commitment to spiritual growth and national development.

A Renewed Push for Spiritual Leadership

Religious leaders at the event highlighted the importance of strong moral leadership in society, urging the newly commissioned ministers to be role models in their communities.

They noted that the church continues to play a vital role in shaping values, supporting education, and promoting social cohesion.

Looking Ahead

As the new ministers begin their assignments, the Methodist Church Ghana says it remains committed to expanding its ministry footprint and responding to the spiritual needs of its growing membership.

The commissioning stands as both a celebration and a renewed call to service, with expectations high for the impact the new ministers will make in the years ahead.

Accra, Ghana – Health authorities are calling on residents to promptly report any unusual reactions or side effects following the ongoing mass drug administration (MDA) exercise, in order to strengthen safety monitoring and ensure effective assessment of the programme.

The Ghana Health Service has emphasized that while mass drug administration campaigns are a key public health strategy for preventing and controlling diseases, continuous monitoring is essential to safeguard community safety and improve future interventions.

Officials say reports of side effects—ranging from mild discomfort to more serious reactions—are critical data points that help health professionals evaluate drug effectiveness, adjust protocols, and respond quickly where necessary.

Communities are being urged to remain vigilant and to immediately contact nearby health facilities or trained community health workers if they experience any adverse symptoms after taking the medication.

Health experts note that such reporting systems are a standard requirement in large-scale public health interventions and play a vital role in ensuring that medicines distributed during campaigns meet safety expectations across diverse populations.

The initiative is also aligned with global best practices promoted by the World Health Organization, which encourages strong pharmacovigilance systems during mass treatment programmes to protect public safety while achieving disease control targets.

Authorities have reassured the public that most participants tolerate the medication well, but stress that timely reporting of any unexpected reactions helps improve transparency, accountability, and trust in public health campaigns.

As the exercise continues, health officials are encouraging full community participation while reinforcing the message: safety monitoring is just as important as treatment itself.

Asuogyaman, Ghana – The Volta River Authority has stepped up its corporate social responsibility efforts by supporting schools in the Asuogyaman District with a generous donation of learning materials aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes.

The intervention, which has been widely welcomed by education stakeholders, includes essential academic resources designed to ease the burden on both teachers and students while enhancing classroom performance across beneficiary schools.

Officials from the Volta River Authority explained that the initiative forms part of the organisation’s long-standing commitment to improving education in communities within its operational areas, particularly those impacted by its hydroelectric projects.

They noted that investing in education remains a key priority, as it helps build a skilled and knowledgeable future workforce capable of driving national development.

Teachers and school authorities in Asuogyaman expressed appreciation for the support, describing it as timely and impactful, especially at a time when many schools continue to face resource constraints that affect effective teaching and learning.

Students also welcomed the donation, noting that the materials would significantly improve their learning experience and motivation in the classroom.

Local education officials have called for sustained partnerships between corporate institutions and the education sector, stressing that such collaborations are essential for bridging resource gaps and improving academic standards.

The initiative has been hailed as another positive example of private-sector involvement in strengthening basic education and supporting community development in the Eastern Region.

Construction Solutions Giant Celebrates a Decade of Innovation, Expansion, and Market Presence

The Velo West Africa Limited has marked the 10th anniversary of its flagship brand ITALKOL in Ghana, celebrating a decade of operations in the construction and building materials sector.

The milestone event highlighted ITALKOL’s growth from its introduction into the Ghanaian market into a widely recognised brand associated with finishing materials, waterproofing solutions, paints, and decorative construction products.

According to company information, Velo West Africa Limited—established in 2014—has built its reputation on manufacturing high-quality building solutions under brands such as ITALKOL and PIXEL PAINT, serving both local and regional markets with an emphasis on durability and innovation.

A DECADE OF BRAND EXPANSION AND INDUSTRY IMPACT

The 10th anniversary celebration of ITALKOL brought together industry partners, executives, and stakeholders to reflect on the brand’s journey, highlighting its evolution into a key player in Ghana’s construction materials industry.

Company representatives noted that ITALKOL’s success has been driven by continuous product innovation, technical expertise, and efforts to align with international quality standards in the construction sector.

Over the years, the brand has expanded its presence across West Africa, supported by manufacturing operations and distribution networks aimed at meeting rising demand for modern building and finishing solutions.

FOCUS ON QUALITY AND REGIONAL GROWTH

Velo West Africa Group has consistently positioned itself as a leader in construction chemicals and decorative systems, supplying products used in building, renovation, and industrial applications.

The company says its mission is to deliver quality, affordability, and technical support to construction professionals while strengthening its footprint in the regional market.

Industry observers say the 10-year milestone reflects both resilience and growth in a competitive sector where innovation and reliability are key drivers of success.

LOOKING AHEAD

As ITALKOL enters its second decade, the company is expected to deepen its market penetration, expand its product portfolio, and strengthen partnerships across West Africa’s construction value chain.

The anniversary is being seen not just as a celebration of longevity, but as a statement of intent for continued industrial expansion and brand consolidation in the years ahead.

Authority Moves to Crack Down on Excessive Rent Advance Demands

The Rent Control Department has issued a strong reminder to tenants and the general public to report landlords who demand rent advances beyond the legally accepted limit of six months.

The directive comes amid growing complaints from tenants who say they are being forced to pay excessive rent advances before securing accommodation, despite existing regulations intended to protect renters.

“It Is Illegal” — Authorities Warn Landlords

Officials have stressed that any demand for rent advance beyond six months is a violation of rental regulations and should be reported immediately for investigation and enforcement action.

They caution landlords against exploiting housing shortages to impose unfair financial conditions on prospective tenants.

Tenants Urged to Speak Out

The Rent Control Department is encouraging tenants to report offending landlords through its regional offices and complaint channels, assuring that all cases will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly.

Authorities say public cooperation is essential to curbing abusive rental practices and ensuring fairness in the housing market.

Rising Housing Pressure Fuels Complaints

The warning comes against a backdrop of increasing demand for housing, particularly in urban centres, where competition for limited rental properties has led some landlords to demand high upfront payments.

Housing advocates argue that such practices place significant financial strain on low- and middle-income earners, many of whom struggle to secure decent accommodation.

Call for Stronger Enforcement

Stakeholders are also calling for stricter enforcement of tenancy laws and greater public education on renters’ rights to reduce exploitation in the rental sector.

They argue that consistent enforcement would help stabilize the housing market and protect vulnerable tenants from unfair treatment.

A Push for Fair Housing Practices

As the debate continues, the Rent Control Department insists that the law is clear and must be respected by all landlords.

For now, tenants are being urged to report violations without fear, as authorities pledge to take action against those who flout rental regulations.