A call to the Ghana Police Service on the handling of gender-based violence cases

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of the most persistent threats to the safety, dignity, and human rights of women and girls in Ghana.

Every day, survivors gather the courage to step out of silence, hoping that our systems will protect them. Yet, far too often, the experiences they encounter weaken their trust and reinforce their fears.

As an advocate for women and community welfare, I find it necessary to speak openly about the troubling manner in which some GBV cases are handled within the Ghana Police Service.

There are increasing reports of survivors being turned away when they attempt to report abuse, told to “go and settle it at home” or treated as though their pain is an inconvenience.

In other cases, perpetrators are released within hours, long before proper investigations are conducted or any meaningful steps are taken to process them for court.

These practices do not merely delay justice; they actively endanger survivors, strengthen the confidence of abusers, and erode the public’s trust in a system that is meant to protect them.

It must be clearly understood: Respect is a right, not a privilege. Every survivor who walks into a police station deserves to be heard, protected, and treated with dignity.

The Ghana Police Service has both a legal and moral responsibility to enforce the Domestic Violence Act (Act 732), safeguard the vulnerable, and ensure that no report of abuse is trivialised or dismissed.

Gender-based violence is not a “domestic issue.” It is not a private matter to be negotiated behind closed doors. It is a crime that destroys lives, destabilises families, and weakens our communities.

When officers fail to act professionally or worse, discourage survivors from seeking justice, they contribute directly or indirectly to a culture of silence, fear, and continued violence. This cannot be allowed to continue.

I therefore call on the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to take decisive action by ensuring:

• Prompt and professional handling of all GBV reports

• Consistent processing of perpetrators for court

• Trauma-informed, survivor-centred engagement at all stations

• Adequate and continuous training for all personnel on GBV laws and response protocols

• Strong accountability mechanisms for officers who neglect or mishandle cases

The safety of our women and girls depends on institutions that function with integrity, empathy, and professionalism.

When a survivor finds the strength to report abuse, she must not be met with dismissal, doubt, or disrespect.

Instead, she should find a system ready to respond swiftly, protect her, and pursue justice without hesitation.

A safer Ghana begins with accountability, and with recognising that respecting human dignity is not optional. Respect is a right not a privilege. Let us uphold it in every police station, every community, and every corner of our nation.

Constance Baaba Boateng (Mrs.)

Assemblywoman, Essaman Electoral Area – Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District

Central Regional Women Caucus Representative (NALAG)