Speaking at the commemoration event of the Campaign on accelerated reduction of maternal mortality in Africa (CARMMA), the Minister said more needs to be done in terms of sensitization in order to stop child marriage in the country.

[contextly_sidebar id=”ryI8eXYMyOKUZQGte4IrFtYPA1e2nWrk”]“It is not good enough for you to say it is an honour to send your child off to marry her grandfather. For a 14 year old to marry a 68 year old man is not an honour it’s a dishonour. It is Haram. And for anybody in this twenty first century -Ghana sixty years on, and with Africa at the helm of affairs – to think that it is okay to mutilate any young girl in the name of honor of culture is also an indication that we have still a lot to do in terms of sensitization” she said.

The Minster,  who has been very vocal against child marriage, suggested that laws be transcribed into local dialects for easy interpretation by the locals in the country who might not know what they are entitled to.

“It is important that our people who cannot read, be given the laws in a medium that they can read [or listen to]. All the laws are in English or in French and they are written, and so if you cannot read, then you might not know that what you are doing is against the law and that it is criminal.”

“…So I want to implore all of us to find out how we can translate all the of laws into voice, into the different dialects, so that our people where the issues are occurring in the communities in the households will be able to understand that the time has come for them to change” she pleaded.

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By: Ann-Shirley Ziwu/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Marrying off 14-yr old girl to a 68-yr old not noble – Otiko appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

She noted however that, due to cross-border migration, the act is still being practiced in some parts of the country.

She said this at an event which formed part of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA), meant to educate the public and key stakeholders on the effects of FGM.

“Here in Ghana, we have women coming through the cross boarder programs from the Burkina into Ghana or out of Ghana into those places, all the neighboring countries. It is reducing in places largely in Ghana, but because of the cross-border activities in some places like Pusiga, there is an increase” she revealed.

“Our government also sends a strong signal to perpetrators that Africa frowns on their misdeeds; and harmful traditional practices, negative traditional practices must be condemned.”

A woman, who was a victim of FGM at the age of twelve, spoke of her ordeal and stated that the act was still ongoing, but was now being done secretively in order not to attract public scorn.

“I was twelve years when my grandmother mutilated me, I bled a lot. When I was going to give birth, I suffered, and the doctors had to use a tube to pull out the baby because he said I had no clitoris,” she narrated.

“Female genital mutilation is still ongoing in my region, but it’s done in secret. There is a new method they use, they use hot water and Shea butter and press it to the clitoris to stop it from growing. I would not do it to my child, when I give birth to a female child. I’m against it and I want the government to do something about it,” she added.

The Minister stated that, the government is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of FGM are made to face the law, adding that support systems have been put in place for victims.

“After condemning and criminalizing it, we support and put in services in the communities for sensitization, for counseling, and how we can abandon the practices,” she said.

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By: Ann-Shirley Ziwu/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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A 17-year-old is currently in the grips of the police for allegedly committing the crime. The suspect, who is also a minor, has been remanded into police custody after appearing before a court on Monday.

[contextly_sidebar id=”5Ftkf9xjJWvB9XngC9CY7nIS5CgstRoP”]According to the ministry, a mapping of community perception of child protection issues was conducted in 2010, and it has led to the development of the justice for children’s policy in 2015.

The study recommended a review of all existing legislation on children especially children in contact with the law.

Speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Monday, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba, said in light of the study, the Gender Ministry will from October 31, 2017 embark on a review of child related legislation to prevent juvenile offenders, and also strengthen formal and community justice systems, and link them up to enhance access to justice and protection for children in conflict with the law.

“The ministry as a matter of urgency is working closely with various key members who are involved in this mission. The public information campaign on the socio economic repercussions of defilement in this country, will be addressed aggressively. This campaign will seek to raise awareness, and to encourage the general public to report cases of defilement and rape immediately to the police.”

Madam Otiko Djaba also stated that, it is about time stiffer punishment is given to perpetrators of rape and defilement.

“When harsher punishment is given to people who rape and defile children, it will go a long way to serve as a deterrent.”

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By: Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Gender Ministry calls for review of Children’s Act to fight abuse appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

However, the National Secretariat of the GSFP is working on the reconciliation of the transactions executed within the last two academic terms between the GSFP caterers, and MASLOC, suppliers of rice, maize and catering equipment to caterers on credit in the 2016/17 academic year.

[contextly_sidebar id=”AYtEpXt1OhL82jpO43jQSFK56DV1Ke9y”]“There is the need for us to conduct proper and diligent reconciliations in order to pay accurate amounts to the caterers,” Madam Afisa Djaba stated on Wednesday when she led a team to visit pupils of South LA Estate Primary School in Accra on their “my first day at school” programme.

She has therefore assured caterers under the GSFP that “Payments due them for the second and third terms of the 2016/17 academic year will be honoured by the end of September, 2017”.

“My first day at school” was instituted some few years ago by the Ghana Education Service to enable government functionaries and top education officers interact with pupils who are attending school for the first time.

The total enrollment of the South La Estate Primary School for the 2017/18 academic year is about 720, however, over 500 had reported as at the time of the visit with the kindergarten admitting 18 pupils and Class one having 35 pupils.

Madam Afisa Djaba further urged Caterers and Metropolitan and Municipal District Assemblies to exercise restraint and cooperate with the National Secretariat of the GSFP to ensure speedy payment.

“We assure all stakeholders of government’s commitment to sustain the programme and improve the delivery of quality meals to beneficiary pupils.”

“The School Feeding Programme is going to be extended to over 5,000 schools, which will also be increased by 30 per cent. Government has agreed to increase the feeding amount from the previous 80 pesewas to 85 pesewas for quality meals to be served the beneficiaries,” she said.

According to the Gender Minister, to sustain the programme, home-grown rice would be used this academic year, adding that “Rice will be supplied to caterers in the various districts through the Ministry. This is a facility aiming at improving upon the quality delivery of food served the pupils”.

Madam Afisa Djaba expressed the hope that the programme would encourage pupils to stay in school, and called on teachers to be committed and show love to the pupils.

The Gender Minister and her team including Dr. Kwame Adu Nsiah, the National Coordinator of the GSFP, interacted with the pupils, and advised them to be disciplined, take their studies serious and stressed that it was important for them to attend school regularly.

Madam Mary Amasah, the Headmistress of South LA Estate Primary, lauded stakeholders for the School Feeding Programme, which had increased enrollment and retention in basic schools.

She therefore appealed that the programme be extended to the Junior High department of various public schools as there were equally students in need at that level as well.

–

Source: GNA

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The National Youth Organiser, Sammy Awuku, who revealed this on the Point Blank segment of Eyewitness News said the party is expected to take a firm decision on the development today [Wednesday].

[contextly_sidebar id=”Un4RZSLIJjiAATsdivJq2BuUTSpqMInp”]“The party is angry about this development. We find this very disheartening, especially at a time when the President had been touring West African countries promoting free border trade, holding bilateral talks and chalking tremendous success in some of these areas. The party will take a very serious stance on the issue.

“If you are a senior member of the party, both serving in government and serving in the party hierarchy and you think opening your mouth will not promote this government and the President then do not open your mouth.”

Mr. Awuku said the NPP cannot take such a development lightly , especially because it “came from a very terrible situation to win elections.”

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Otiko Afisa Djaba in a media engagement last week, accused the NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu, of receiving goats and cows from individuals with the promise of securing appointments in public office for them.

This was after Mr. Bugri Naabu disrupted a meeting  between the Minister and some women in the Northern Region, over allegations that the Minister was ganging up against some of the President’s MMDCE nominees. The Northern Regional Chairman also accused Otiko of disrespect for holding a meeting in the region without his knowledge.

Mr. Naabu in a subsequent media interview caused a stir when he reportedly suggested that Otiko Djaba and the current Upper East Regional Minister, were involved in the murder of the former NPP Upper East Regional Chairman, Adams Mahama.

The National Council of the NPP is expected to hold a crucial meeting today [Wednesday] over the row between the two.

A Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, Nana Obiri Boahen,  explained to Citi News that “it has been decided that the party will be meeting to discuss that particular issue because it is very much important and particular to us. At 7:00 pm we are meeting.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post We’ll take serious action against Otiko, Bugri Naabu – Sammy Awuku appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to the Minister, the advice she offered during the 90th anniversary and speech and prize giving day for Krobo Girls Presbyterian Senior School, was based on genuine love and concern for girls who are like her daughters.

[contextly_sidebar id=”GXUUlnVq8orVw1KA3CRXRjm1r1jfbfcC”]Madam Djaba subsequently came under severe backlash from a cross-section of Ghanaians who said her comments were only giving an excuse for rapists, since there was no proof that one’s way of dressing entices rapists.

The Minister had argued that, although one’s dressing can be fashionable, they should be responsible for the choice they make.

Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of a Social Protection Dialogue on the theme “Promoting Productive Inclusion for Sustainable Economic Growth” Madam Djaba said girls needed to know their dressing could provoke some men to rape or assault them sexually.

“Every right has a responsibility. If you have a right to speak, it doesn’t mean you should say just anything. After 18, you can marry, you can have sex; but you must protect yourselves from a pregnancy you do not want and from sexual diseases. So if I say you have a right to dress the way you want, then you must be aware that how you dress could provoke somebody else. You must make a choice in your best interest and as a parent, I have every right to advise my children. I am a Krobo, and I was talking to my own sisters and children.”

Media took my words out of context

Madam Djaba also accused journalists of taking her words out of context, and picking and choosing only bad news and neglecting the “real issues”.

“People must understand that, when we speak, the journalists will pick what they want from it. I will plead with the media to stop focusing on me and concentrate on the real issues. I know that bad news sells because all the other things I said at the programme were not reported because they were good and people like to talk about negative news.”

She however said she was happy with her comments as it had “opened up a discussion about ourselves as a people.”

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By:  Felicia Osei/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Otiko justifies advice on ‘dressing to avoid rape’ appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba, the Sector Minister, said government intends to compliment the cash transfer component of LEAP households with skills development to help people out of poverty.

Madam Djaba indicated that 16 million Ghana cedis had been earmarked for the disbursement under the LEAP programme for 213,048 households across the country.

She said the Ministry is working on skills training (development) modules for individuals so that after they are equipped they can be weaned off the LEAP programme gradually.

Some skills development modules under the LEAP programme, include piggery, kente and basket weaving.

However, she said, the skills development would depend on the needs of an area or a district.

Madam Djaba noted that households with women as heads would be targeted adding “as government we have plans to refocus the LEAP programme to ensure that it does not become a source of political patronage.”

In this regard, the Minister said the sector would adopt effective and accurate testing to identify and enroll deserving beneficiary households with the female-headed households as the Ministry’s target.

Currently in the Upper East Region, the Ministry and the Japanese Government has commenced a pilot programme in the design of various handicrafts, she said, and expressed optimism that they would be exported to fetch income for the households.

Madam Djaba said the LEAP programme, which currently covered 216 districts, would be extended by December, this year, to cover all districts.

She said 11 districts in Ashanti and Greater Accra regions which were not under the LEAP programme would soon be covered.

The Minister said the programme intended to roll out adult education to beneficiaries so they could learn numeracy skills to have control over their money and accounts.

Touching on the benefits of the LEAP programme, Madam Djaba said more than 90,000 households had been registered free-of-charge onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

She said this had been factored into the LEAP programme to ensure LEAP beneficiaries receive better health care.

The Minister said studies into the programme had shown 12 per cent increase in school enrolment of children.

“A study by the University of North Carolina and ISSER has shown a significant increase in livelihood savings and gift received. LEAP has had impact on debt repayment and reduced loan holdings among female headed households,” she said.

LEAP, one of the flagship programmes of the Ministry which commenced in 2008, formed part of six interventions in the social protection basket.

The other interventions include Ghana school feeding, capitation grant, and free school uniform and exercise books.

LEAP is a cash transfer programme for the extremely poor and vulnerable households which had orphans and vulnerable children, persons with severe disability without any productive capacity, elderly persons 65 years and above, pregnant women and children under two years.

One eligible member household receives GH¢ 64.00, two and three eligible member household receive GH¢ 76.00 and GH¢ 88.00 respectively. Four or more eligible member households receive GH¢ 106.00.

–

Source: GNA

The post Gender Ministry to disburse LEAP cash on March 27 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

[contextly_sidebar id=”b9uC5TZmA3txFkeISzeA5A8Mh8V4668D”] The Minister indicated that, her outfit cannot take any action until the victim decides to assist the Police with investigations.

“It is possible she might not want to be found. She might be afraid that though she was accused of theft, the Police might arrest her. She might also be afraid that because she has been humiliated her dignity is at stake, and she might not want to be found. Some of these issues are very sensitive. We have made an appeal through the radio to ask anybody who has found her or any hospital to advise her to come out; but it is also her choice if she doesn’t want to come out; so until she comes out, there is very little the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection can do about that.”

A video, which captured some men beating and stripping the alleged female thief naked, went viral on social media a few weeks ago.

The incident had angered some Ghanaians who complained about the Gender Ministry’s delay in swiftly taking action on the incident.

But the Minister had described criticisms against her ministry as unjustifiable.

She explained that her Ministry refused to respond as soon the incident occurred because the details available at the time were scanty.

“I understand some people are saying we did not respond on time; it is a criminal act and you cannot get up and respond without knowing the details. An allegation has been made. Whether it is true or not, it is not for anybody to be the judge…you don’t have the right to judge that person. The law says you are innocent until proven guilty.So it is a process, you cannot get up and start talking about things you don’t know. You don’t know until we work on it.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post We might stop pursuing assaulted woman’s case – Gender Minister appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Plaintiffs are the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman constituency, Ernest Norgbey, and the Member of Parliament for the Juaboso Constituency Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

[contextly_sidebar id=”7397BmjVpgdZwoH2VXQN4q42c5WdTl46″]The two NDC MPs are praying the court to nullify the nomination and swearing-in of Madam Otiko Djaba due to her failure to undertake the mandatory national service.

Confirming the suit to Citi News, Mr. Akandoh stated that, Otiko Afisa Djaba cannot hold herself out as a Minister of state due to her failure to complete the mandatory national service.

“A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the constitution particularly article 94 (2)(g) of the constitution is in contempt of section (7) of the Ghana National Service Act, Act 426. The second defendant Otiko Djaba is disqualified from being nominated, approved, and appointed as Minister of State constitutes employment in the Public Service. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the constitution that the swearing in of the Second defendant is null and void and has no effect whatsoever. We also want an order directed at the second defendant restraining her from acting or purporting to act as Minister of State until such a time she completes her national service or duly granted an exemption in accordance with the National Service Act” the writ said.

The minority in parliament boycotted the approval of Madam Otiko Djaba, over her failure to do her national service and a purported bad temperament. She was thus approved by the Majority side who voted on her.

Otiko’s service waiver temporary – NSS boss

Although the Majority Leader had claimed on the floor of Parliament that the nominee had gotten her exemption from the National Service Scheme (NSS), it has emerged that Otiko Afisa Djaba’s exemption from the mandatory national service,  is only temporary.

According to the acting Executive Director of the National Service Scheme, Ussif Mustapha, Madam Djaba’s brief exemption, is because there is currently no board in place for the NSS.

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By: Franklin Badu Jnr/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Two NDC MPs sue Otiko over her appointment appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The 33-year-old has a year left on his current contract after signing from Manchester City on a free transfer last summer.

He made 24 appearances for the Reds last season, including 15 starts in the league as Liverpool narrowly missed out on a first league title since 1990.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said Toure – part of the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ side and a two-time FA Cup winner – was a key part of his plans for the new season, even if he was not a regular starter.

“Kolo has been an incredible player. We brought him in because he is a winner, an authentic winner,” said Rodgers, talking at a news conference on Liverpool’s pre-season trip to the United States.

“He’s someone who doesn’t play every single week but when he does play, he plays very well. Every day of his life in training, he gives his all.

“Players like Kolo and Steven Gerrard, the older statesmen of the team, have been absolutely first class. We’re hungry and ambitious; we went close last year.

“That inspires us and gives us great motivation to go on this year. That is the beauty of this group of players – it’s a very hungry group because that’s what we’re trying to bring in.”

Source: Sky Sports

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