“Veiled Torment: Navigating Powerlessness in the Storm”
Rev. Papa Adjasco, the esteemed head pastor of Mempasem Temple in Chorkor, Accra, wears multiple hats, also serving as a lecturer in Economics at the prestigious Most Iconic University.
One Monday morning, his path crosses with Aku, a reserved student in his class. Despite being married with five children, Rev. Papa Adjasco takes a keen interest in Aku.
However, Aku, maintaining her distance and reservations, attempts to avoid any unnecessary interactions with Rev. Papa Adjasco.
Despite her efforts, Rev. singles her out in class, criticizing her lack of participation and summoning her to his office located outside the school premises.
Aware of rumors surrounding those who visit Rev.'s office, Aku, wisely, decides not to go. Frustrated by her absence, Rev. Papa Adjasco uses the class period to publicly call out Aku for trivial reasons, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.
The class discerns the evident tension between them, leaving Aku feeling humiliated but unable to speak out against her superior.
As the class draws to a close, Rev. Papa Adjasco mandates attendance at his church for all students. Aku, a devoted Catholic, firmly decides against participating. In her steadfastness, she chooses not to conform, even in the face of authority.
As exams loomed around the corner, Aku dedicated herself to rigorous preparation, particularly for Economics, a subject she found challenging.
On a Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., she found herself seated and ready to tackle the Economics exam. However, to her surprise, Rev. Papa Adjasco, not content with just being a lecturer, took an unusual interest in her exam experience.
Rev. specifically instructed a male invigilator to stand directly in front of Aku's desk, ensuring close scrutiny to the point where even her blinks would not go unnoticed.
This unwarranted attention made Aku incredibly uncomfortable, leaving her puzzled as to why she was being singled out for such treatment. Despite the discomfort, she persevered and completed her exams.
Fast forward a month or two, and the results were in—a devastating “F” in Economics. Aku faced the prospect of retaking the exam, adding to her worry and perplexity.
Advised by others, she reluctantly started attending Rev.’s church, Mempasem Temple, and made a point to introduce herself to him before and after the resit paper.
After about six months of attending the church and following the suggested steps, the results came in again, this time revealing a surprising B.
Aku couldn't shake off the shock, but feeling trapped, she continued down a path she had reluctantly chosen, mirroring the actions of other girls just to escape the clutches of Rev. Papa Adjasco.
What you could do if you were in Aku’s shoes.
- Document Everything:
Keep a detailed record of any instances of uncomfortable interactions, inappropriate requests, or unfair treatment. This documentation could serve as evidence if needed in the future. - Seek Academic Support:
Approach other faculty members or academic advisors to seek support for your struggles in any course. Establishing a network of mentors and advocates within the university can provide additional protection. - Utilize Anonymous Reporting Channels:
If available, use any anonymous reporting mechanisms provided by the university to report instances of harassment or uncomfortable situations without fear of reprisal. - Connect with Peers:
Share your experiences with trusted peers or classmates. Establishing a support system among fellow students can provide emotional support and solidarity.
