Elimination of violence against women a national priority - Gender Minister tells UN

Ghana has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the total elimination of violence against women and girls, describing the goal as a "national priority" grounded in the country's Constitution.

Addressing a High-Level Meeting on "Violence Against Women and Girls" at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York on Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, highlighted Ghana's proactive steps in strengthening institutional frameworks for survivors.

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According to the Minister, Ghana is focused on ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) receive "timely, coordinated and dignified support".

Dr Lartey pointed to the establishment of an ultra-modern One-Stop Center at the Police Headquarters by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU).

The Minister detailed that this facility is equipped to provide comprehensive services, including child-friendly district and circuit courts, shelter services, social welfare officers, legal aid officers, clinical psychologists, soundproof interview rooms, a clinic, playroom and a 24-hour helpline.

“Ghana continues to strengthen institutional frameworks to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence receive timely, coordinated and dignified support. The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service has established an ultra-modern One-Stop Center at the Police Headquarters to provide holistic services for survivors of abuse,” she said.

Additionally, she added that her Ministry’s "Orange Support Center" continues to offer integrated services through a 24-hour toll-free call center and the "BOAME" (Help Me) mobile application, providing counselling, legal, and medical support.

To address the economic vulnerabilities of survivors, the Minister announced that the government has operationalised the Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund.

The fund is designed to provide financial assistance to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence while supporting their long-term rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

“Government has also operationalised the Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and supports their rehabilitation and reintegration,” she disclosed.

Dr Lartey emphasised that Ghana is prioritising prevention through education and empowerment, with a specific focus on engaging men and boys as partners.

"Ghana has institutionalised an Annual Men's Conference on Positive Masculinity aimed at challenging harmful social norms and promoting behavioural change to end violence against women and girls," she stated.

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Concluding her statement, the Gender Minister assured the international community that Ghana remains committed to improving enforcement mechanisms and addressing "emerging forms of violence," such as online abuse and technology-facilitated exploitation.

MAG/MA

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