A National Affairs and Economic Development Analyst, Shepherd Issifu Ali, has strongly condemned attempts by public figures to describe Ghanaian women involved in the ongoing Russian exploitation scandal as “cheap,” calling such remarks reckless, dehumanising, and a dangerous distraction from deeper national failures.
Reacting to comments made by sections of the Ghanaian public and social media users, Ali described the remarks as “uncalled for,” emphasising that the issue reflects much deeper concerns than name-calling and body-shaming.
According to him, the women caught up in the controversy involving Russian national Vyacheslav Trahov should not be reduced to insults or mockery.
“These women are not cheap,” he stated. “What happened reflects exploitation, vulnerability, and systemic weaknesses. A responsible society protects its vulnerable citizens instead of humiliating them.”
Exploitation
Throwing more light on the issue, Ali argued that secret recordings, manipulation, and digital exposure point to exploitation rather than moral failure.
He warned that shaming victims discourages the reporting of abuse and weakens public trust in institutions.
“When wrongdoing is defended instead of corrected, moral boundaries collapse,” he said. “A nation that humiliates its vulnerable citizens ultimately weakens itself.”
Ali linked the incident to broader economic conditions, particularly youth unemployment and idleness.
He noted that a lack of opportunity increases emotional and financial vulnerability, making manipulation easier.
“Job creation and dignity are protective social policies, not just economic goals,” he stressed. “When young people have nothing meaningful to do, risk becomes attractive.”
Ali described the incident as a reflection of Ghana’s struggling economic and moral structures, warning that prolonged hardship can distort decision-making and weaken social resilience.
Concerns Over Exploitative Tourism
Ali also raised concerns about foreign individuals exploiting local vulnerabilities under the guise of tourism and online content creation.
“Ghana must balance hospitality with protection,” he said. “We cannot open our doors without safeguarding our citizens, especially young women.”
He further questioned how multiple visitors could access residential apartments without proper identification or accountability, describing it as a national security gap.
“If harm occurs, who takes responsibility? Where is the traceability?” he asked, calling for a modern residential security culture in urban Ghana.
Breakdown in Family and Cultural Guidance
Touching on the breakdown in family and cultural guidance, Ali observed that rapid social change has weakened parental supervision and value transmission.
“Many young people are navigating a complex digital world without strong moral or emotional support,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as cultural influences from sections of the entertainment industry, where certain lifestyles portrayed by celebrities do not reflect Ghanaian values.
Religion Must Move Beyond Ceremony
Despite Ghana’s high religiosity, Ali questioned whether visible worship has translated into character formation and youth protection.
“This moment calls for honest self-assessment within faith communities,” he said. “Religion must transform daily life, not remain ceremonial.”
Ali warned that non-consensual recording and online distribution cause lasting harm, including psychological trauma and reputational damage that can affect future employment and relationships.
He called for stronger digital safety education, greater awareness of consent, and strict enforcement of cybercrime laws.
“Protecting dignity in the digital age is now a national responsibility,” he said.
Ali insisted that the national response must focus on justice, reform, and prevention rather than public humiliation.
“A mature nation responds with compassion and clarity,” he said. “We must correct what is wrong without destroying those already harmed.”
Proposed Solutions
Ali outlined a three-part national response programme to help women and the youth in general avoid exploitation.
He mentioned accelerating youth employment and skills programmes, expanding mental health and counselling support, and strengthening parenting and family education initiatives.
“The country must enforce strict penalties for non-consensual recording and digital distribution,” he added.
Ali stressed the need to encourage public figures to model responsible behaviour and promote national dialogue on dignity and respect.
“Push religious institutions towards practical youth protection programmes,” he noted.
Ali announced plans to hold a conference to engage women directly and develop practical support mechanisms aimed at empowerment and protection.
“The women involved are not cheap,” he repeated. “What is cheap is a society that mocks its wounded instead of fixing what made them vulnerable.”
He maintained that Ghana must choose between shaming its citizens and reforming its systems.
