By Kamal Ahmed, GNA
Somanya (E/R), June 22, GNA – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Yilo Krobo Municipal office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has organised a one-day sensitisation programme on gender-based violence in Somanya.
The programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada, brought together persons with disabilities, women and men, church groups, security personnel, and health professionals.
It also engaged officials from the Department of Social Welfare and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to deliberate on the causes of gender-based violence and strategies to address the menace.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs Henrietta Glikpo, Municipal Director of the NCCE, noted that gender-based violence remained a major concern in the municipality, making public education necessary.
She expressed concern about increasing cases of parental neglect and teenage pregnancy, describing the situation as alarming.
“We organised this programme to let people know that giving birth alone is not enough; being responsible is what matters. It is not only the father who is responsible for the care and well-being of a child,” she said. “Mothers must also contribute towards the growth and development of their children.”
Mrs Glikpo explained that although she had not conducted any formal research on gender-based violence, her interactions with schools, churches, and community groups, as well as complaints received by her office, suggested that the problem was widespread.
“Because of this situation, we are witnessing a rise in child prostitution in the area, which is why we are worried and being proactive in addressing the issue,” she added.
According to her, gender-based violence contributes to child neglect, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and other social challenges.
She called on members of the public to report and speak against all forms of gender-based violence to promote sustainable development and improved livelihoods.
Mr Akuffo Larbi, Yilo Krobo Municipal Director of CHRAJ, urged victims and witnesses of gender-based violence to speak up against the practice.
He encouraged women to empower themselves economically, noting that financial independence could help reduce vulnerability to abuse.
Mr Larbi advised parents to closely monitor their children and ensure they received proper guidance and protection.
“When young girls are not adequately protected, some men take advantage of them. Such exploitation is part of the violence we are discussing,” he stated.
He stressed the need for parents to fulfil their responsibilities and support their children.
He indicated that the Constitution and the Children’s Act placed a responsibility on parents to provide for their children, and failure to do so could attract legal consequences.
“At CHRAJ, we receive several cases of child maintenance. We invite parents and compel them to comply with their responsibilities. The welfare of the child remains paramount, even in cases of broken marriages,” he said.
The Somanya District Police Commander, ASP Nana Akomeah, urged parents to take proper care of their children to prevent them from becoming victims of rape and other forms of sexual abuse.
He stated that defilement was a second-degree felony and warned that offenders would face the full rigours of the law.
The programme formed part of ongoing efforts to reduce gender-based violence in communities and promote sustainable development.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Kamal Ahmed
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