By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, Nov 28, GNA – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) in collaboration with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has educated drivers in the Cape Coast Metropolis on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
This training was crucial as drivers regularly interact with diverse community members, positioning them as important observers and potential responders to SGBV incidents.
By increasing their awareness, the drivers were better placed to recognise warning signs, report abuse and support victims appropriately.
This initiative also aimed at reducing harmful behaviours, creating safer public transportation environments and transport hubs, while fostering societal respect, equality, and long-term domestic violence prevention.
The event received support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as part of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against SGBV in Ghana.
Under the theme: “16 Routes, 16 Stations, 16 Destinations: Public Transport Union Unite Against GBV,” the campaign encouraged both the public and transport operators to actively prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Running from Tuesday, November 25 to Wednesday, December 10, it coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Human Rights Day.
The campaign included a national launch and 16 regional launches aimed at promoting dialogue and action in public transport spaces across Ghana.
Addressing the drivers, Ms Richlove Amamoo, Central Regional Director of the Department of Gender, highlighted the Ministry’s strong commitment to combating domestic gender-based violence.
She encouraged reporting of all forms of violence and molestation, particularly, against women and children to combat SGBV.
She highlighted SGBV education’s role in fostering respect, empathy and awareness to prevent abuse by challenging harmful norms, empowering youth, building healthy relationships and aiding victims’ access to justice.
Ms Amamoo described rape and defilement as grave crimes under Ghanaian law, carrying severe penalties like long-term imprisonment and called on men to report abusive wives, stressing that abuse affects all genders and that support services exist for comprehensive domestic violence response.
“In Ghana, anti-SGBV efforts include the Domestic Violence Act, toll-free hotlines, awareness campaigns and community education to break stereotypes and support survivors.
“Reject silence on abuse, use legal protections, provide stigma-free aid and promote gender equality education for a violence-free society,” she explained.
Mr Alex Mustapha, Central Regional Industrial Relations Officer of GPRTU, warned drivers against harassing girls under 18 years old.
He stressed that anyone involved in inappropriate relations with minors would face strict legal consequences.
He affirmed that GPRTU was committed to protecting the rights and safety of vulnerable young girls and urged drivers to respect the law and avoid behaviours that could bring serious legal repercussions.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Lydia Kukua Asamoah