MOWAC launches helpline for victims of abuse

Accra, Sept. GNA - The Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC) in collaboration with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) on Monday launched a helpline which would give the general public an opportunity to call in and report on any issue relating to abuses meted out to women and children.

"This, I believe, will not only stimulate collective efforts in human resource development but also enhance the work of DOVVSU under the Ghana Police Service to protect the vulnerable in society," Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister for Women and Children's Affairs said.

The helpline, when fully implemented, would provide victims with emergency assistance and link them to contact someone for help in emergency cases.

Hajia Alima stressed that by creating a helpline for children, Ghana had fulfilled one of the recommendations by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"By so doing, the child would have access to systems and services, which would help him or her to report violence, speak to a counsellor in confidence and also ask for support and advice."

Hajia Alima noted that the Ministry, in collaboration with other agencies, was working to get more child-helpline spread all over the country. She urged all to call the toll-free number, MTN Short code 1622, to lodge a complaint or to give information for the necessary action to be taken.

Mr Daniel Dugan, Deputy Minster of MOWAC, said child protection formed the bedrock of every nation's development since they were the base for the nation's human resources.

He said for women and children to adequately participate in the development of the nation, their protection and well being should be given paramount attention.

"We need to put in place suitable mechanisms to ensure the safety of our children and mothers and MOWAC believes that in collaboration with various stakeholders this would be achieved."

A message read on behalf of Chief Superintendent Jessie Borquaye of DOVVSU, called on victims to report to the unit as early as possible and not wait for matters to deteriorate.

"They come to report when the most important evidence to help the Police with its investigations has been tampered with."