N※N

Highest Eri Speaks: How a Career Ambition Turned into a Fight Against Sexual Harassment in Ghana

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. -a-fight-against-sexual-harassment-in-ghana.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 8:59 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-26 224 x 224 / 9108 Bytes

2025-11-26 179 x 224 / 15039 Bytes

2025-11-26 250 x 201 / 11875 Bytes

2025-11-26 179 x 224 / 10355 Bytes

The Hidden Cost of Career‑Building: How “Highest Eri” Became a Voice Against Sexual Harassment in Ghana

In a candid interview that captured the attention of millions of Ghanaians, a woman known publicly as Highest Eri shared the harrowing story of sexual harassment she endured while searching for work. The story, originally published on GhanaWeb in mid‑2011, exposes a darker side of the Ghanaian labour market—one that many professionals, especially women, may confront in silence. While the article focuses on Eri’s personal experience, it also offers a lens through which to view broader systemic issues in Ghanaian society, the cultural norms that allow such abuses to persist, and the ways in which a single story can spark debate and demand change.

Who is Highest Eri?

Eri, whose full name is Eri Kofor, is a former beauty pageant contestant, a former media presenter and a model who later pivoted into the business sector. At the time of the interview, she was an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a corporate role that would match her experience and skills. Her background as a public figure meant that she was no stranger to the spotlight, but it also made her a visible target when she entered the male‑dominated corporate world.

The article introduces her as “a woman of great ambition, resilience and grace,” yet it also hints at how her public persona may have been a double‑edged sword. While her visibility provided opportunities, it also made her a target for inappropriate attention.

The Harassment Incident(s)

Eri’s narrative is structured around a series of encounters that began during her interview process for a managerial position at a prominent Ghanaian advertising agency. The first incident involved a senior executive who, during a pre‑interview coffee chat, made unsolicited remarks about her physical appearance and hinted that “if she was a good fit, the company would be very happy to have her.” Eri politely declined, yet the executive pressed on, insinuating that a personal relationship could be beneficial to both parties.

The second incident was more explicit. After a second interview, Eri was invited to a company event where she was the sole female guest. The event’s host, a middle‑aged businessman, made repeated comments about her body, asking her to dance and “show off” in front of the group. When she resisted, he attempted to force her into a car with a group of male colleagues, allegedly under the pretext of “showing her around the office.” Eri managed to escape the situation by calling for help from a fellow guest, but the experience left her shaken.

Eri’s testimony also included a third episode, where a new employee who had just joined the team tried to “break the ice” with her by leaning in too closely, making her uncomfortable. While this instance was not as severe, it added to her cumulative sense of vulnerability.

Reactions and Support

In the wake of these events, Eri’s response was multi‑faceted. She first reported the incidents to the human resources department, but according to her, the responses were dismissive and the allegations were framed as “over‑interpretation.” She also reached out to a network of former colleagues who advised her to seek legal counsel and document her encounters.

A significant portion of the article focuses on how Eri’s family and a local women’s advocacy group provided her with emotional support. She speaks of how her mother, a schoolteacher, reminded her that “no one should ever touch you without your permission.” The advocacy group’s legal team helped her compile a formal complaint, and in the end, she filed a case against the offending executives and the agency itself.

The Wider Context: Sexual Harassment in Ghanaian Workplaces

The article does not stop at Eri’s personal account. It places her experience within a broader societal context, citing data from Ghana’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and a 2010 Ghana National Labour Force Survey that showed a high incidence of workplace harassment. In Ghana, workplace harassment is still largely under‑reported, due in part to cultural stigma, fear of retaliation, and a lack of robust enforcement mechanisms.

The piece highlights that while Ghana’s Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (2011) Act provides for penalties, there is often a gap between legislation and practice. Many employers, especially in the private sector, either lack formal policies or fail to enforce them effectively. Eri’s story underscores this gap, illustrating how corporate cultures can either shield or expose employees to inappropriate behaviour.

The Aftermath and Impact

Eri’s decision to speak publicly has had a ripple effect. According to the article, several other female employees came forward with similar experiences, leading to a media‑fueled discussion about workplace safety. Some employers took proactive steps to review their policies, while others issued statements condemning harassment.

In addition to the immediate legal outcome—where the agency settled with Eri out‑of‑court for an undisclosed sum—the story has spurred advocacy efforts. The Ghanaian government’s Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations announced a task force to review current labour laws, while several NGOs launched training workshops on harassment prevention.

Eri herself has become a spokesperson for the “Safe Workplace Initiative,” working with youth organisations to educate future professionals about their rights. She has also joined a panel at the University of Ghana to discuss the intersection of gender, media, and corporate culture.

Key Takeaways

1. Visibility is a Double‑Edged Sword – Public figures like Eri can attract attention that may be both positive and negative, especially when entering male‑dominated spaces.
2. Reporting Mechanisms Are Often Ineffective – Eri’s experience shows that HR departments may not take harassment complaints seriously, pointing to a need for better enforcement.
3. Support Systems Are Crucial – Family, peers, and advocacy groups can provide emotional and legal assistance that can empower victims to speak out.
4. Legal Frameworks Must Be Enforced – Laws exist, but without adequate training and enforcement, they remain symbolic.
5. Public Disclosure Can Spark Change – Eri’s candid interview contributed to broader public discourse, encouraging other women to come forward and prompting policy reviews.

The GhanaWeb article serves as a compelling case study of how one woman’s voice can illuminate systemic problems, create accountability, and foster a safer work environment for future generations. It reminds us that when individuals share their experiences, they can catalyze institutional change and bring about a more equitable professional landscape.