By Dorothy Frances Ward, GNA
Kumasi March 19 GNA – The Ashanti Regional Police Command has called for public support to help reduce violence against women and children
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Osei-Akoto Arthur, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, who made the call, said protecting women and children was a shared responsibility and community members needed to play active role by reporting abuses meted out to women and children to the police.
Speaking to Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, he stressed the need for all stakeholders to intensify efforts to curb violence against women and children.
He said violence against women and children was a serious social challenge that required collective action from government institutions, community leaders, and families.
“We all have a responsibility to protect the weak and vulnerable in our societies”, he said.
He said one in four Ghanaian women had endured physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, adding that 30 percent of Ghanaian women had encountered sexual violence at least, once in their lifetime.
The Regional Commander urged women not to shy in reporting violence against them for redress.
Chief Superintendent Victoria Yeboah Darkwah, Ashanti Regional Coordinator of Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), of the Ghana Police Service, said the Unit continued to receive reports of domestic violence, defilement, rape, assault, and child neglect within the region.
She explained that many victims particularly women and children, often suffered in silence due to fear, stigma, and economic dependence on perpetrators, making it difficult for authorities to intervene early.
Chief Superintendent Darkwah, therefore, encouraged victims and witnesses to report cases to the police and other relevant institutions so that appropriate protection and legal action could be taken against them.
She said renewed call came on the day International Women’s Day on March 08, a global event that highlights the achievements of women and calls for stronger action to address gender inequality and violence, emphasising on the need for stronger protection of women’s rights and greater access to justice.
She called on parents, traditional leaders, religious organisations and civil society groups to intensify education and advocacy programmes aimed at promoting gender equality and safeguarding the rights of women and children.
“Eliminating violence against women and children was essential for building safe, inclusive and peaceful communities in Kumasi and across the country”, she stated.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Linda Asante Agyei