Kumasi: The Muslim Family Counseling Services (MFCS), a Non-Governmental Organisation based in Kumasi, has launched a seven-month initiative aimed at enlightening stakeholders on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Zongo communities. The project, funded by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), seeks to bolster human rights and gender equality, while mitigating SGBV within the Asokore-Mampong Municipality by engaging multi-faith and community leadership to enhance awareness and amplify the call to action.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Mohammed Bun Bida, the Executive Director of the organisation, underscored the importance of drawing stakeholders' attention to the community's approach to human rights violations at the launch of the project at the Kumasi Central Mosque. He explained that cases of SGBV often remain concealed within the community due to the fear of severing ties with the perpetrators. This results in the persistent violation of human rights, as offenders are not referred to the appropriate authorities for action.
Mr. Bida emphasized that directing such cases to the relevant offices would facilitate their apprehension and prosecution, thereby deterring others from engaging in similar offences in the future. He stressed the necessity of dissuading the resolution of sexual violation cases within the confines of the home, advocating for the involvement of law enforcement agencies to address these matters appropriately. He expressed concern that in Zongo communities, perpetrators frequently escape accountability when relatives of victims are swayed by persuasive appeals and token compensations from the offenders, stating that this should not be tolerated.
The launch of the project coincided with a training workshop for faith and traditional leaders focused on a gender-transformative campaign designed to combat SGBV and promote Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Among the attendees of the launch and training were Naaba Musah Akambonga (President of the Council of Zongo Chiefs in the Ashanti Region), Nana Ogyam Amankwah (Nifahene of Kumasi Agogo), Regional Chief Imam Sheikh Zakaria Suleman, Mr. Ahmed Bin Ahmed (Chief of the Fulani Community in the Ashanti Region), along with numerous other religious dignitaries.
Naaba Musah Akambonga, who spoke to Ghana News Agency, condemned out-of-court settlements and the interference of traditional leaders in cases of sexual and gender-based violence. He asserted that offenders should not be shielded from facing the repercussions of their actions. Various group activities were conducted to gather grievances, enabling donors to capture innovative ideas from participants for future endeavors.
