National Affairs and Economic Development Analyst Shepherd Issifu Ali has condemned attempts by social media users to describe Ghanaian women captured in the ongoing Russian exploitation scandal as "cheap".

He described such comments as reckless, dehumanising and a distraction from deeper national challenges.

Reacting to public commentary surrounding allegations involving Russian national Vyacheslav Trahov, Mr Ali said the narrative has veered toward name-calling and victim-shaming instead of addressing exploitation and systemic weaknesses.

He stressed that the women involved should not be reduced to insults or mockery.

“These women are not cheap. What happened reflects exploitation, vulnerability, and systemic weaknesses. A responsible society protects its vulnerable citizens instead of humiliating them,” he said.

According to him, “What is cheap is a society that mocks its wounded instead of fixing what made them vulnerable.”

Mr Ali argued that the use of secret recordings, manipulation and digital exposure points to exploitation.

He warned that victim-shaming discourages the reporting of abuse and erodes public trust in institutions.

“When wrongdoing is defended instead of corrected, moral boundaries collapse. A nation that humiliates its vulnerable citizens ultimately weakens itself,” he said.

Linking the incident to broader economic conditions, Mr Ali pointed to youth unemployment and idleness as drivers of emotional and financial vulnerability.

“Job creation and dignity are protective social policies, not just economic goals. When young people have nothing meaningful to do, risk becomes attractive.”

He described the saga as a reflection of Ghana’s strained economic and moral structures, cautioning that prolonged hardship can distort decision-making and weaken social resilience.

He 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 questioned how multiple visitors could access residential apartments without proper identification or accountability, describing the situation 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 areas.

Touching on family and cultural guidance, Ali observed that rapid social change has weakened parental supervision and the transmission of values. “Many young people are navigating a complex digital world without strong moral or emotional support,” he said.

Despite the country’s high religiosity, Mr Ali questioned whether visible worship has translated into character formation and youth protection. “This moment calls for honest self-assessment within faith communities. Religion must transform daily life, not remain ceremonial.”

Mr Ali warned that non-consensual recording and online distribution cause lasting harm, including psychological trauma and reputational damage that can affect 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.

He continued, “A mature nation responds with compassion and clarity,” he said. “We must correct what is wrong without destroying those already harmed.”