Accra: The Renel Ghana Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on protecting women's rights, has urged for decisive action to implement the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732) effectively. In collaboration with SONGTABA, a non-profit organization, and funded by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, the Foundation emphasized the need to transform the Act from a legislative promise into a practical tool for protection and empowerment for women and girls.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Nelson Mandela, the Executive Director of the Foundation, made this call during a press conference in Accra. The Act aims to protect women and children from domestic violence and related issues. Mr. Mandela highlighted the need for stakeholders, including policymakers, government institutions, and community leaders, to ensure coordinated policy action to combat domestic violence. He cited the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, which revealed high prevalence rates of intimate partner violence-53.4 percent in the Savannah Region and 44 percent in the Central Region.
Mr. Mandela stressed the necessity for enhanced investment in addressing domestic violence, pointing out institutional weaknesses, limited awareness of legal provisions, financial and logistical deficits, and cultural norms that perpetuate violence. He called for dedicated funding for the Domestic Violence Victims Support Fund and the expansion of survivor services nationwide. Additionally, he recommended mandatory training for police, social workers, and judicial officers on trauma-informed approaches and urged the strengthening of the Domestic Violence Management Board.
Mr. Mandela emphasized the importance of sustained nationwide awareness campaigns to improve knowledge of local remedies and eliminate harmful gender norms. He stated, "Ghana cannot afford to leave survivors at risk due to institutional inertia and underinvestment. Every survivor deserves safety, dignity, and justice."
The Foundation and its partners, through the Gender Rights and Empowerment Project (G-REP), are piloting integrated one-stop centers in selected districts, offering survivors psychosocial counseling, healthcare, and legal assistance. Preliminary results indicated that these models effectively improve access to comprehensive services, suggesting the need for national scaling.
Nkilgiwurche Boresah Iddisah Jeduah I, the Queen of Yagbon Kingdom in the Savannah Region, highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in media reporting. She urged the media to cross-check facts and consult traditional leaders for guidance on language usage to maintain cultural respect. The Queen pledged her region's support in combating domestic violence.
Madam Elizabeth Lamkie Puplampu, a domestic violence survivor, encouraged women to speak out and report perpetrators, rather than enduring the abuse. The Renel Ghana Foundation continues its efforts to promote and protect the rights of women, youths, children, and persons with disabilities, aiming to help them realize their full potential.
