A situation that unfortunately befell a gentleman this week made me pause and reflect on what our society is becoming.
According to his account, the gentleman, an Uber driver, woke up expecting to go about his normal daily activities and earn a living through his work. Instead, he allegedly ended up being overpowered and sexually assaulted by three women he had gone to pick up.
Surprising, right?
The driver alleged that he picked up the three women from Kasoa Budumburam and was transporting them home after a night out at East Legon Hills when the incident occurred.
What disturbed me even more was the alleged response of a police officer when the gentleman went to report the incident. According to him, the officer, who should have handled such a serious complaint professionally, teased him and suggested that he had “enjoyed” the experience.
If this account is accurate, I hope the Ghana Police Service identifies the officer involved, investigates the matter, and takes the appropriate action.
Incidents like this are among the reasons some men who experience abuse remain silent. They fear being laughed at, ridiculed, or not taken seriously.
Imagine if the roles had been reversed.
Abuse does not affect only women. Men can also become victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and other forms of violence. However, because of the way society often views masculinity, many male victims may feel ashamed or afraid to speak about what they have experienced.
In this case, a man who found the courage to speak about his alleged ordeal reportedly ended up being ridiculed. That should never happen.
Even more concerning was the allegation that one of the women involved, during an interview with a radio station where the driver shared his story, reportedly claimed that she and her alleged accomplices had done similar things to other men who never reported the incidents. They also allegedly threatened the driver after he spoke publicly about his experience.
This situation should serve as a wake-up call.
Through education and public awareness, institutions such as the Ministry responsible for Gender and Social Protection, civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders must help Ghanaians understand that men can also be victims of abuse.
Male victims should never be bullied into silence or forced to carry emotional trauma for the rest of their lives. They should be encouraged to report abuse, seek counselling, undergo appropriate medical examinations, and receive the support and protection they deserve.
The gentleman deserves recognition for finding the courage to speak about his alleged experience. Hopefully, his decision will encourage other victims—male or female—to understand that there is no shame in speaking up.
Abuse is abuse, regardless of the gender of the victim.
By Stella Annan
