Accra: The Renel Ghana Foundation, in partnership with SONGTABA and funded by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, has issued a call for robust action to effectively implement the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732). The non-governmental organization emphasizes the need to transform the Act from a legislative promise into a tangible tool for the protection and empowerment of women and girls.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Nelson Mandela, the Executive Director of the Renel Ghana Foundation, highlighted these concerns during a press conference in Accra. The Act aims to protect women and children from domestic violence and related issues. Mr. Mandela stressed the importance of coordinated policy action by stakeholders such as policymakers, government institutions, and community leaders to mitigate domestic violence.
He cited the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, which revealed high prevalence rates of intimate partner violence, with 53.4% in the Savannah Region and 44% in the Central Region. This data underscores the need for increased investment in tackling domestic violence. Mr. Mandela pointed to institutional weaknesses, limited awareness of legal provisions, financial and logistical deficits, and cultural norms that perpetuate violence.
Mr. Mandela called for sufficient funding to fully operate the Domestic Violence Victims Support Fund and expand survivor services across the nation. He also recommended mandatory training and capacity building for police, social workers, and judicial officers on trauma-informed approaches. Strengthening key bodies like the Domestic Violence Management Board with technical expertise and leadership stability was also encouraged.
He advocated for sustained nationwide awareness campaigns to enhance knowledge of local remedies and eliminate harmful gender norms. "Ghana cannot afford to leave survivors at risk due to institutional inertia and underinvestment. Every survivor deserves safety, dignity, and justice," he stated.
Through the Gender Rights and Empowerment Project (G-REP), the Foundation and its partners are piloting integrated one-stop centers in selected districts, offering survivors psychosocial counseling, healthcare, and legal assistance in one location. Initial results indicated that these models effectively improved access to timely and comprehensive services, suggesting they should be sustained and scaled nationally.
Nkilgiwurche Boresah Iddisah Jeduah I, the Queen of Yagbon Kingdom in the Savannah Region, emphasized the necessity of cultural sensitivity in media reporting, highlighting issues such as stereotypes and inappropriate cultural appropriations. She urged the media to diligently verify facts, especially during sensitive discussions, and to consult traditional leaders for guidance on appropriate language usage to maintain cultural respect. She pledged her region's support in combating domestic violence.
Madam Elizabeth Lamkie Puplampu, a survivor of domestic violence, encouraged women to speak out and report their perpetrators rather than endure the abuse. The Renel Ghana Foundation continues its efforts to promote and protect the rights of women, youths, children, and persons with disabilities, helping them realize their full potential.
