Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has stated that eliminating violence against women and girls remains a major national priority for the government.
Speaking at a high level meeting during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the minister emphasised Ghana’s commitment to strengthening measures that protect women and girls from abuse and discrimination.
According to her, Ghana continues to improve its institutional systems to ensure that survivors of gender based violence receive timely and coordinated support. She noted that the country has introduced initiatives aimed at providing victims with legal, medical and psychological assistance while also strengthening reporting and response mechanisms.
The minister highlighted the role of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service in assisting survivors of abuse. She explained that the unit has established a modern one stop centre that provides integrated services such as counselling, medical support, legal aid and specialised interview rooms designed to protect victims during investigations.
She also referenced the Orange Support Centre, an initiative created by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to offer comprehensive support to victims of sexual and gender based violence. The facility operates a 24 hour call centre and provides counselling and medical services to those seeking assistance.
In addition, the government has operationalised the Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund, which offers financial support to survivors and helps with their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Beyond support for survivors, the minister said Ghana is focusing on prevention by promoting education and empowerment programmes, particularly for girls and young women. She added that the government is also engaging men and boys as partners in promoting respectful and non violent relationships.
She noted that initiatives such as the annual Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity have been introduced to challenge harmful social norms and encourage behavioural change in communities.
The minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening laws, improving enforcement and addressing emerging threats such as online abuse and technology facilitated violence against women and girls.
