Vice President calls for zero tolerance for sexual exploitation in workplaces and schools
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for stronger enforcement of laws and institutional policies to combat sexual exploitation in workplaces and academic institutions.
She said although Ghana had laws and frameworks to protect people from sexual harassment and exploitation, consistent enforcement remained a major challenge.
The Vice President made the remarks at the Sex for Jobs Conference organised by The Ark Foundation Ghana under the theme, “Promoting Accountability and Protecting Those Who Have Suffered Abuse.”
Addressing participants at the conference, she stressed that no one should be forced to endure sexual harassment as a condition for securing employment or advancing their career or education.
“Nobody should have to endure harassment to secure employment or to achieve professional or academic advancement,” she stated.
She emphasised that preventing sexual exploitation required collective responsibility and consistent vigilance from government officials, public and private institutions, and citizens.
“Preventing such acts requires daily vigilance from all of us—government officials, public and private institutions, and citizens—in our homes, workplaces and schools,” she said.
The Vice President acknowledged that Ghana had established laws, policies and institutional frameworks to address sexual exploitation, alongside international standards on human rights and workplace protection.
However, she identified the effective implementation of these measures as a key area requiring attention.
“Ghana has laws, policies and institutional frameworks in place. We are also guided by international standards on human rights and workplace protection. A key challenge, however, is ensuring that these protections are consistently enforced,” she noted.
She further highlighted government efforts to strengthen gender equity and social protection through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education, and the Ghana Education Service.
According to her, while these interventions are important, legislation alone cannot guarantee the safety and protection of individuals.
“Government has recently made efforts to strengthen gender equity and social protection through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education, and the Ghana Education Service. But legislation alone cannot guarantee protection,” she said.
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang urged public and private institutions to create environments where sexual exploitation is rejected and professional conduct is upheld.
She called for clear standards of professional behaviour, increased public education and leadership that is prepared to act when wrongdoing is established.
“Our public and private institutions must continue to build cultures that reject exploitation, establish clear standards of professional conduct, and foster public education and leadership willing to take action when wrongdoing is established,” she stated.
The Vice President also commended the Executive Director of The Ark Foundation Ghana, Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, and her team for their continued advocacy and efforts to protect people at risk of sexual exploitation.
“I commend the Executive Director, Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, and her team for sustaining their advocacy and for working to protect those at risk of exploitation,” she added.
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