Failure to disclose STI status before sex is a crime – DOVVSU Director

Chief Inspector Monica Agyemang, the Eastern Regional Director of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), has warned that it is a criminal offense for anyone to engage in sexual intercourse with a partner without informing them of any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases they may have. She explained that such actions jeopardise the health and rights of the unsuspecting partner and constitute sexual abuse under Ghana’s criminal laws, which carry severe penalties.

According to the Gender Domestic Violence Act, Section 1, Subsection B, and Subsection II, sexual abuse includes any sexual contact that abuses, humiliates, or degrades another person or violates their sexual integrity. This applies especially to individuals who are aware that they are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or any other sexually transmitted disease and fail to disclose this before engaging in sexual activity.

Chief Inspector Agyemang emphasised the importance of taking sexual health seriously, particularly for young people. She stressed the need for honesty, regular medical check-ups, and the use of protection in sexual relationships. She also highlighted that there are many laws in place to protect adolescent girls and women from sexual and gender-based violence, encouraging them to speak out and report incidents to DOVVSU.

She said this during stakeholders’ engagement on Gender and Sexually Based Violence organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in New Juaben North, Eastern Region. The program aimed at empowering adolescent girls and young people to resist sexual abuse and gender-based violence in schools and communities.

The initiative, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), comes at a time when cases of sexual abuse and exploitation of girls in educational institutions have raised national concern. Hargar Ampah, Deputy Director, Program Office at NCCE Headquarters, underscored the importance of protecting young People and vulnerable groups in society against all forms of Gender based violence.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement, the New Juaben North Municipal Director of NCCE, Ebenezer Acheampong, stressed the Commission’s constitutional mandate to educate the public on civic responsibilities and rights. He explained that the programme had brought together traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, security agencies, and the media to collectively address adolescent health, gender equality, and protection.

In New Juaben, defilement, rape, and gender-based violence are significant issues affecting our young people. These are criminal offences that must be reported to the police rather than being settled at home. Acheampong stated that, in collaboration with UNFPA, they have visited churches, mosques, schools, and communities to raise awareness and empower young women to speak out and seek help.

The program also provided safe platforms for adolescents to engage with health workers about reproductive health, family planning, and the dangers of harmful cultural practices. The initiative by the NCCE addresses myths surrounding family planning and promotes community-based interventions to prevent gender-based violence.

Edith Asiedua, a Public Health Nurse at the Eastern Regional Health Directorate, cautioned against the misuse of emergency contraceptives due to potential health complications. Key stakeholders—including chiefs, queen mothers, pastors, imams, youth leaders, health professionals, and security agencies—committed to supporting the campaign by strengthening collaboration between communities and service providers. They aim to protect vulnerable young individuals, especially girls, while promoting equality, dignity, and safer spaces for youth to thrive.

Source: Starrfm.com.gh