Tamale: A day's learning event to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in effectively managing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in the Northern Region was held in Tamale. This initiative was organized by the Centre for Research and Development Alternatives (CREDA), a Non-governmental Organisation, with the support of STAR Ghana Foundation and Norsaac.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was part of the Ending Violence and Abuse Project (EVAP) being implemented in the Sagnarigu, Nanumba South, and Kpandai Districts. It convened key representatives from government agencies, including leaders from the youth wing of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) under the Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD). Discussions were centered on the challenges faced by PwDs in these areas and strategies to address them.
The platform allowed agencies to share their mandates, public engagement strategies, and special provisions for better serving PwDs. Mr. Abukari Iddrisu, the Programme Manager at CREDA, emphasized the event's purpose to facilitate experience sharing and learning among stakeholders in tackling GBV. He stressed the importance of collaboration among state agencies to ensure violence cases, especially those involving young women and adolescent girls with disabilities, receive proper attention.
Mr. Iddrisu also advocated for strategic partnerships among agencies tasked with handling GBV cases to foster a more inclusive national development approach. During the discussions, PwDs expressed concerns over issues such as sexual harassment, discrimination in accessing education and healthcare, unemployment, and violations of their fundamental rights.
Mr. Bruce Hammond, Head of Social Welfare and Community Development at the Nanumba South District Assembly, reported that the Assembly, in collaboration with the Business Advisory Centre, had provided alternative income-generating opportunities for PwDs. Additionally, they had partnered with the Ghana Health Service to procure medication for mental health support.
Mr. Yaw Sarfo, Kpandai District Director of the Ghana Education Service, noted ongoing efforts to engage parents in enrolling children with disabilities in schools. He highlighted that discrimination and stigma against PwDs were not tolerated in schools, as they strive to ensure these students remain in school and complete their education.
Mr. Inusah Iddrisu, Principal Public Education Officer and Investigator at the Northern Regional Office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), pointed out that many abuse cases against PwDs go unreported due to a lack of awareness about available support systems. He called for intensified advocacy and education on the rights of PwDs and encouraged victims of abuse and discrimination to report incidents to law enforcement for appropriate action.
