Gender-based violence requires a united national front - Isaac Okpoti Adjei

The General Manager of Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, Isaac Okpoti Adjei has called for a more coordinated and resolute national response to gender-based violence (GBV), stressing the need for early education, stronger punitive systems, and broader collaboration across state and private institutions.

Speaking at the hotel’s Women Empowerment Summit on November 28, 2025, themed “Breaking the Silence: Advancing Justice, Accountability and Support to End Gender-Based Violence,” Adjei noted that although Ghana has made progress in public awareness, the country still faces entrenched attitudes, especially among adolescents, that weaken the fight against abuse.

He said community attitudes often normalise harmful behaviour and discourage victims from seeking help, adding that schools, parents and youth-focused organisations must prioritise conversations that build respect, empathy and accountability from an early age.

According to him, adolescent boys and girls form some of their strongest perceptions about relationships between ages 10 and 17. If these perceptions are shaped by harmful gender norms, abusive behaviour can become accepted as normal.

Isaac Okpoti Adjei therefore called for modernised, age-appropriate educational programmes, saying young people should learn early that GBV is not only a criminal offence but a violation of dignity and human rights.

The Mövenpick GM also urged government agencies to intensify reforms aimed at ensuring justice for survivors. He emphasised that delays in prosecution, weak sanctions and the tendency to blame victims continue to embolden perpetrators.

“We must build a system where victims feel protected and perpetrators are held fully accountable,” Isaac Adjei stated.

He advocated for strengthening the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), improving shelter services, and resourcing community-based social workers, which he believes are essential steps toward justice and prevention.

Adjei also encouraged the private sector to play a more active role by offering safe reporting channels at workplaces, supporting awareness campaigns, and partnering with civil society organisations that provide counselling and legal support.

According to him, businesses have both a moral responsibility and a practical interest in protecting staff and communities from abuse.

The GM highlighted Mövenpick’s own efforts in staff training, gender policies and community engagement, explaining that hotels often serve as public-facing institutions and therefore have a unique platform to promote protection, equality and dignity.

He called for similar initiatives across the hospitality sector, noting that collective action can amplify national impact.



He concluded by urging all stakeholders, government, private sector, civil society and families, to treat GBV as a collective challenge rather than an individual issue.

“Ending gender-based violence requires strong policies, strong institutions, and strong societal will. We cannot wait for another tragedy before we act,” he said.