Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls at UN Meeting
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls. Speaking at a High-Level Meeting on the sidelines of the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN General Assembly, Dr. Lartey highlighted Ghana’s efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks and support survivors of gender-based violence.
Ghana has established an ultra-modern One-Stop Center at the Police Headquarters, providing holistic services for survivors of abuse. The facility offers child-friendly district and circuit courts, shelter services, social welfare officers, legal aid officers, clinical psychologists, and a 24-hour helpline. Additionally, the Orange Support Center, established by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, provides integrated services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
The government has also operationalised the Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and supports their rehabilitation and reintegration. Dr. Lartey emphasized Ghana’s prioritization of prevention through education and empowerment, particularly for girls and young women, while engaging men and boys as partners in promoting respectful and non-violent relationships.
The Minister highlighted the Annual Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity, aimed at challenging harmful social norms and promoting behavioural change to end violence against women and girls. Ghana remains committed to strengthening laws, improving enforcement mechanisms, and addressing emerging forms of violence, including online abuse and technology-facilitated exploitation.
Dr. Lartey expressed Ghana’s appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the High-Level Meeting, reaffirming the country’s commitment to gender equality and the elimination of violence against women and girls. The meeting provided a platform for Ghana to share its experiences and best practices in addressing gender-based violence, while also learning from other countries.
The High-Level Meeting on Violence Against Women and Girls brought together governments, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for preventing and responding to violence against women and girls. The meeting emphasized the need for collective action to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality.
Ghana’s efforts to address violence against women and girls are part of its broader commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The country’s initiatives demonstrate its dedication to creating a society where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.
The international community has recognized Ghana’s efforts to address gender-based violence, and the country continues to play a leading role in promoting women’s rights and empowerment in the region. As Ghana moves forward, it remains committed to strengthening its laws, policies, and programs to protect women and girls from violence and ensure their full participation in society.
