By Dennis Peprah
Abesim, (Bono), Nov. 28, GNA-Some stakeholders have called on the government to adequately resources public institutions with constitutional mandates to uphold and defend the fundamental human rights and dignity of Ghanaians.
The stakeholders, comprising women and youth groups, civil society organisations, religious institutions and political parties noted that the government ought to make the Domestic Violence and Victims (DOVVSU), the Department of Gender and the Social Welfare Department more resourceful.
They made the call during a forum held at Abesim, near Sunyani to mark the 2025 celebration of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence” campaign organised by the Bono Regional Directorate of the Department of Gender with support from ActionAid Ghana, a non-governmental organisation.
Every year in November, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) launches and spearheads the campaign to raise awareness and promote action to eliminate violence against women and girls in the country.
On the theme: “The role of the community in protecting women and girls”, the Bono Regional Directorate of Department of Gender with Support from ActionAid Ghana (AGG), a Non-governmental organisation organised the forum.
It sought to intensify awareness creation and to highlight forms of gender-based violence against women and girls to stimulate stakeholders support towards ending the menace.
Mr Kwame Denkyira Afram, the Bono Regional Manager of the AAG, expressed concern that violence against women and girls continued to be the most urgent and pervasive human rights violation which had serious harm on victims, their families and the broader society.
He said with adequate resources, institutions like DOVVSU, the Gender and Social Welfare Department could intensify public awareness creation and law enforcement to bring the situation under control.
Madam Theresa Mawuena, the Secretary of the Youth Urban Women Movement called on the government to strengthen enforcement of existing laws, including the Domestic Violence Act and related child-protection legislation.
She noted that “Ghana has strong laws on paper but weak enforcement continues to fail survivors”, calling for the need to adequately resource the DOVVSU to enable the Unit to respond swiftly, professionally, and compassionately when cases are reported.
“Perpetrators must be held accountable, and survivors must feel protected, not intimidated or discouraged from seeking justice”, she stated.
Mrs Jocelyn Adii, the Bono Regional Director of the Department of Gender, also expressed concern about outmoded traditional and cultural norms like child marriage and widowhood rites inimical to the holistic growth and development of women and girls.
She called for collective efforts to tackle violence against women and girls to improve for them to live dignified lives.
Earlier, Police Detective Inspector Bright Asare, an officer at the Bono Regional office, expressed concern about challenges in transportation and appealed to the government and stakeholders for vehicles.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba