Universities Lack Proper Structures to Address Sexual Harassment – Youth Activist
Youth activist Frederick Brooks has sounded the alarm on the need for stronger measures to address sexual harassment in Ghanaian universities. His comments come on the heels of a recent disciplinary action taken by the University of Ghana, which sanctioned 16 students and a lecturer for various offenses, including plagiarism, document falsification, and sexual misconduct.
A major case involved Dr. Sampson Obed Appiah, a lecturer found guilty of sexual misconduct. His punishment includes a formal apology, a two-semester suspension, restrictions on promotion, and mandatory sexual harassment training.
In an interview on Dominion TV’s Wake Up Africa show with Korku Lumor last Friday, Brooks questioned the fairness of the disciplinary measures, pointing out that a postgraduate student was suspended for two years for plagiarism, while a lecturer guilty of sexual harassment received what he described as a comparatively lenient punishment.
“Nobody is imprisoned for plagiarism, but you can be imprisoned for sexual harassment. The plagiarism charge seems more like a backhand punishment than a reformative one,” he stated.
He urged universities across Ghana to take bolder steps in handling such cases and create a safe, stigma-free environment for victims to report incidents.
According to a joint report published by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Girls Excellent Movement (GEM), 51.9% of females in senior high schools were sexually assaulted between 2019 and 2021. These girls were between the ages of 11 and 22. The perpetrators included teachers, schoolmates, families and friends.
Brooks questioned the fairness of the disciplinary measures, highlighting the disparity in punishment between students and lecturers. A postgraduate student was suspended for two years for plagiarism, while the lecturer guilty of sexual harassment received a comparatively lenient punishment and urged universities across Ghana to take bolder steps in handling sexual harassment cases and create a safe, stigma-free environment for victims to report incidents.
Sexual harassment in Ghanaian universities is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. By taking bold steps to address this issue, universities can create a safer, more supportive environment for students and staff alike. The time for action is now.
The Wake-Up Africa morning show on Dominion TV is currently Ghana’s premier morning television programme. It is the flagship show, hosted by the charismatic duo Korku Lumor and Precious Bia Dela. The Wake-Up Africa morning show is revolutionising how Ghanaians and Africans begin their day. This inspiring programme sparks domestic and continental conversations through insightful discussions on current affairs, health, fitness, entertainment, and more. It airs weekdays from 6:30 am to 10:00 am GMT, promoting Ghanaian and African culture, values, and talents.
Source: Sharon Frimpong Opoku
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