The Executive Director for the Progressive Organization for Women’s Advancement (POWA), Victoria Hamah has expressed disappointment at the unseriousness the Ghana Police Service has attached to bringing finality to an alleged case of attempted rape, she reported last month.

The former deputy minister of Communications, Victoria Hammah in June, accused one Faith Mensah Tekpor of drugging her in his quest to rape, film the act and subsequently blackmail her.

According to her, many ladies have fallen prey to Tekpor’s actions but are scared to report to the police for fear of victimization, hence the decision by her organization to take up the case.

While indicating that Mr. Tekpor, because of his dubious activities goes about with different names to hide his real identity, also bemoaned the unwarranted sensationalism the media has given to a matter which borders on the security and dignity of Ghanaian women.

Although the accused, has come out to refute the allegations against him, the former deputy Communications Minister is determined to get what she terms “justice for women”.

Addressing the issue at the second edition of the POWA forum held at British Council in Accra, Madam Hamah, described the situation as “regrettable and condemnable the failure of the police to publicize the name and photograph of Mr. Tekpor to warn other women so they do not become victim.”

“POWA understands that the challenges go beyond the confines of law enforcement measures. Apart from the loopholes in our justice system, the situation is made worse by backward sociocultural outlook; thus, women lack the will, courage and the confidence to assist when prosecution is crucial. That is why POWA has taken the initiative to publicize Faith Mensah Tekpor’s picture and name throughout Accra and Tema as part of the #SAVE GHANA WOMEN CAMPAIGN.



It has also come to my knowledge that hundreds of women have fallen victim to this rogue. Many women have contacted the office of POWA to report their experiences at the hands of Mr. Tekpor, since the launch of the #SAVE GHANA WOMEN CAMPAIGN”.

The Executive Director also used the opportunity to encourage other women who have come into contact with Mr. Tekper or women in general who have been abused to come out boldly to report the situation so action can be taken.

“POWA holds strongly the view that women need to come out boldly to report abuses of such kind. In situations where the women are not able to assist in prosecution the police must dedicate its efforts at publishing the name and faces of these shameless men and the media must take a responsible position in this regard. This will in no mean measure protect other women from such criminals.”

The second edition of the POWA forum which was held under the theme; How has the media impacted on the participation of Ghanaian women in politics” was well attended by prominent people both in the media and political setting.

Speakers at the event included TV presenter Paul Adom-Otchere, former Gender Minister, Nana Oye Lithur, 2016 Presidential candidate for the CPP, Ivor Greenstreet and Professor Audrey Gadzekpo.



Victoria Hamah's full speech at POWA Forum