The Vice Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun has challenged the University community not to rest until a significant reduction in sexual harassment cases is recorded.

Rev. Prof. Eshun gave the call while speaking at the Implementation and Launching of Anti-Sexual Harassment Campaign Initiative event at the University, with funding from the Association of Commonwealth Universities Gender Grant.

Stating the harsh reality of sexual harassment in society and the world over, the Vice Chancellor, highlighted the significant number of female students who face sexual harassment, which negatively affects their lives.

“A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Girls Excellence Movement (GEM) sheds light on the disturbing reality that 51.9% of female students in Senior High Schools in Ghana were sexually assaulted between 2019 and 2021. This statistics represents not just numbers, but the lives of young girls whose educational experiences have been marred forever. Sexual harassment is not just a violation of personal boundaries; it is an infringement on dignity, safety, and respect,” he emphasized.

He therefore stressed the importance of all to standup against it, urging the university community to stay vigilant, speak out, and hold perpetrators accountable until cases decline.

“I strongly urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and relentless in their efforts. Let us commit to speaking up, supporting victims, and promoting policies that prevent harassment and hold perpetrators accountable. Together, we can create a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected, regardless of gender. We must not rest until we see significant improvements and a noticeable reduction in cases of harassment. This campaign is a call to action for every individual here,” he urged.

Emphasizing the University’s commitment to zero tolerance for sexual harassment, Rev. Prof. Eshun mentioned that the University has taken measures, through CEGENDA, to address and handle issues related to sexual harassment.

“Here at Takoradi Technical University, our stance on sexual harassment is unequivocal: zero tolerance. We have implemented tangible measures to reinforce this stance, with the establishment of the Centre for Gender Advocacy serving as a testament to our dedication. Our sexual harassment policy is clear and uncompromising, outlining the actions to be taken and the consequences perpetrators will face. The University Management is also fully committed to ensuring that our campus remains a haven, free from all forms of harassment. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our community—students, staff, and guests—can thrive without the fear of harassment or intimidation,” he emphasized.

The Vice Chancellor rounded up his statement at the event with a strong conviction that TTU leadership is going to be firm with punishment for sexual harassment culprits without comprise, while those who try to interfere with such a measure will suffer same faith of punishment.

The immediate past Director of CEGENDA, Prof. Mrs. Abigail Gura, who secured the funding from the Association of Commonwealth Universities Gender Grant, stated that the initiative aims to create awareness of sexual harassment and educate staff on how to address sexual harassment complaints by understanding the systems and structures to follow.

“this project seeks to create awareness about sexual harassment, equip key stakeholders with the skills to address it effectively, and strengthen the systems and structures that support survivors and prevent misconduct. By doing so, we aim to promote a zero-tolerance culture towards harassment across our campuses,” she said. former

She further mentioned that staff would be provided with capacity-building and training sessions, equipping them with the expertise to handle sensitive cases with confidentiality and care, while students will participate in sensitization workshops aimed at empowering them to recognize what constitutes sexual harassment and how to report such incidents.

The Coordinator of the Domestic Violence Victim Support Unit at the Western Regional Police Command, ASP Eunice Afelipok Atinya, in a presentation on “Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Offences”, defined behaviors considered sexual harassment to include inappropriate comments, gestures, unwelcome bodily contact, and sexual advances.

While shedding light on the increasing cases of sodomy among both children and adults, ASP Atinya emphasized the psychological, emotional, and health consequences of sexual harassment, including distress, lowered self-esteem, and health issues.

She urged the University and its management to protect students from sexual harassment at all costs, as the problem is rapidly increasing.

On her part, Director of CEGENDA, Prof. Ann Dodor, taking faculty members through the University’s policies on sexual harassment, mentioned that the policies on sexual harassment apply to both students, staff, and the entire University community.

She encouraged all to get educated on the channels if they encounter a case of harassment.

Participants had the opportunity to seek clarification on sexual harassment issues and the TTU’s policy, which brought the Pro VC, Prof. Victor Kweku Bondzie Micah and the Registrar, Dr. Moses Maclean Abnory, to their feet to add further details on the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy.