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Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, has raised an alarm over the escalating public health costs associated with sexual violence in Ghana. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, she emphasized that the trauma inflicted on survivors extends far beyond individual suffering, creating a systemic burden that affects workplaces, relationships, and the broader national health infrastructure. She argued that the long-term psychological and physical impact on survivors creates a ripple effect that diminishes productivity and social stability.
The human rights advocate's comments follow a high-profile investigation into sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. The case involved reports against the headmaster that were allegedly ignored for some time before his eventual suspension. Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye noted that the failure of institutions to act promptly in such cases exacerbates the damage inflicted on survivors, making it harder for them to reintegrate into work and community life effectively.
According to Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye, nearly 80% of sexual violence cases in Ghana go unreported, largely due to pervasive social stigma and the perceived ineffectiveness of current response mechanisms. She criticized existing support systems for failing to provide adequate protection or justice, noting that without a clear understanding of the true depth of this damage, the state cannot build the effective institutional support systems required to address the crisis.
To bridge these gaps, Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye urged for a societal commitment that moves beyond political rhetoric toward concrete action at national, regional, and community levels. She stressed that while laws and policies exist to combat sexual violence, their implementation remains inconsistent. She called for the strict enforcement of existing legal frameworks to ensure survivors feel safe to report crimes and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.