The University of Ghana is conducting investigations following a BBC documentary titled 'Sex for Grades' which exposed sexual harassment by university lecturers. The documentary included incidents at both the University of Ghana and the University of Lagos, where lecturers propositioned undercover female reporters. Ghanaian activist Eugenia Baffour noted that the exposure has encouraged more victims to speak out. The University of Ghana's Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, led by Margaret Amoakohene, is looking into the allegations and urging victims to report incidents. The Student Representative Council (SRC) is also taking steps to support victims and educate teachers on maintaining professional conduct.

From A Climate Correspondent is a newsletter initiative started by four European climate journalists based in India, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Hong Kong. The newsletter aims to provide on-the-ground insights into climate change challenges from regions that are often under-reported. The project has evolved to include guest writers from around the world, offering first-hand accounts of local climate stories. The newsletter has received a climate grant from the European Federation for Science Journalism to expand its pool of writers. The team is seeking financial support through Patreon and KOFI to sustain and grow the initiative. They encourage readers to share the newsletter and contribute to their funding efforts to continue bringing stories from the frontlines of the climate crisis.

The article discusses the collaboration between the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the importance of good data and effective skills to tackle global crises, such as the pandemic and climate change. The partnership focused on supporting African governments with resources, information, and experiences, emphasizing the need for timely data and robust data systems. The article stresses the necessity of preparedness for future crises, advocating for stronger technical capacity in governments, public dialogue on data collection and sharing, and collaboration across sectors to build resilient data systems. The Global Partnership and UNECA are committed to working with various partners to use data and technology to improve policy and lives, while also protecting rights and preventing data misuse.

The article discusses the ongoing struggle between activists and the Ghanaian government over plans to mine bauxite in the Atewa Forest Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot and source of water for five million people. Despite public protests, petitions, and international attention, the government persists with its plans, citing economic benefits and a 'barter deal' with China. Activists, including A Rocha Ghana, have filed a legal challenge, arguing that mining violates constitutional rights and environmental commitments. The article also touches on the broader context of deforestation in Ghana and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delaying mining activities. The journalist, Stacey Knott, provides a personal perspective from her visits to the forest and interactions with local communities.

In Ghana, there is a concern among cancer experts about the lack of attention to colorectal cancer screening, which has resulted in a high mortality rate. The death of Chadwick Boseman, known for his role in 'Black Panther', and Ghanaian actor and preacher Bernard Nyarko, both from colon cancer, has highlighted this issue. Dr. Clement Edusa, the medical director of the Sweden Ghana Medical Center, notes the need for better screening and treatment structures. Organizations like Cancer Support Network Ghana and Zurak Cancer Foundation are working to promote cancer awareness, survivor stories, and healthy lifestyles, especially in low-income communities. There is a collective hope for increased government support for cancer screenings, diagnoses, and treatments in the future.

Ghanaians are preparing to vote in the presidential elections with incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and former president John Mahama as the main contenders. Akufo-Addo's New Patriotic Party (NPP) campaigns on education, while Mahama's National Democratic Congress (NDC) focuses on job creation and anti-corruption. Despite 17 million registered voters, there is concern over voter apathy, particularly among the middle class. The Ghana Center for Democratic Development notes voter fatigue, while a pre-election survey shows concerns over infrastructure and employment. Akufo-Addo's handling of COVID-19 and education received positive feedback, but his record on inflation, inequality, and corruption was criticized. Both candidates have been accused of underperformance and corruption. Analysts expect a fair and peaceful election, similar to previous ones. The University of Ghana's survey indicates an 11% lead for the NPP over the NDC.

A joint report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and UN Children’s Fund has revealed a significant increase in child labor globally, with 160 million children involved, marking the first rise in two decades. Nearly half of these children are engaged in hazardous work. The report highlights that while child labor has decreased in Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean, it has increased in Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. ILO Director General Guy Ryder and UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore have expressed grave concerns over the situation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They advocate for social protection, quality education, and decent work for adults to combat the rise in child labor.

The Sahel region of West Africa, encompassing Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, has experienced a surge in violence, with recent attacks in Mali, Niger, and the Central African Republic. The U.S. special envoy to the Sahel, Peter Pham, condemned the extremist attacks and expressed hope for Niger's upcoming presidential elections, which could mark a peaceful transition of power. Pham emphasized the crisis in the Sahel is rooted in state legitimacy and the perception of government by its citizens. The U.S. has provided significant health, development, and humanitarian assistance to the region, totaling over $1.5 billion from 2017 to 2019, alongside $467 million in security assistance. Ornella Moderan from the Institute for Security Studies highlighted the need for inclusive dialogue and national ownership to build legitimate governments. Recent elections in Ghana and Burkina Faso, where incumbents were re-elected despite opposition claims of unfairness, were mentioned as examples of the region's political developments.

The Malala Fund, an education rights group, reports that the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria has increased during the pandemic, with a significant gender gap as more girls are affected than boys. Joy Pam, a 13-year-old girl, expresses her desire to return to school after the pandemic disrupted her education. Crystal Ikanih-Musa, the Nigerian representative for the Malala Fund, highlights that over 50% of the 13.2 million children out of school before the pandemic were girls, a number that has risen. Education officials, including Mathew Sule of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board, acknowledge the additional barriers girls face in accessing education. Research indicates that girls had limited access to distance-learning options during lockdowns and spent more time on household chores. Hamzat Lawal, CEO of Connected Development and Malala Fund Champion, emphasizes the need to remove hidden fees and amend education laws to ensure free education for all, especially girls.

The article discusses the economic challenges faced by women in Northern Ghana, highlighting the high levels of poverty and limited economic opportunities in the region. It mentions efforts by businesswomen in Accra, the capital, to collaborate with women from the north to create unique products for sale in both local and international markets. The report, which includes a camera credit for Stacey Knott, suggests that these initiatives are aimed at empowering women and fostering economic development in underdeveloped areas of Ghana.