By Philip Antoh
Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) in partnership with Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has launched a 16 Days activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on all women.
The launch was spearheaded by the minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, who initiated a strong national movement to eliminate all types of GBV particularly digital abuse during the launch of the 2025 global 16 Days of Activism campaign at the Kaneshie Main Station in Accra.
Speaking to a large audience of government officials, UN agencies, transport unions, civil society organizations, and students, Dr. Lartey characterized GBV as a continuing human rights emergency that threatens the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of women and girls throughout the nation.
She cautioned that entrenched cultural beliefs still promote the acceptance of abuse, causing many victims to endure their suffering in silence.
The Minister pointed out alarming figures: 27.7% of women in Ghana have faced domestic violence, and 32% of girls aged 15–24 think that wife-beating is acceptable.
She described these statistics as concerning, indicating that they represent attitudes that need to be urgently addressed.
This year’s theme, “Unite! End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” was highlighted by Dr. Lartey as vital in a time when online abuse—such as cyberbullying, harassment, sextortion, stalking, image-based violations, and blackmail—is rapidly increasing.
Emphasizing government initiatives, she revealed several significant actions being taken under her guidance; training market executives and professionals as paralegals and volunteer service providers, enhancing support through the Orange Support Center, advancing the operationalization of the national shelter in Accra, plans to create new regional shelters, cabinet approval of the updated National Domestic Violence Policy, and the ongoing drafting of the new Domestic Abuse Law and its Legislative Instrument.
Dr. Lartey praised UNFPA’s partnership with the transport sector, highlighting that GPRTU’s involvement will greatly enhance public awareness during the 16-day campaign.
The planned activities include regional awareness drives, media outreach, and discussions on improving shelters and referral systems.
The Minister called on traditional leaders, the media, and all Ghanaians to report GBV, emphasizing that offenders should not be protected and that survivors need support, justice, and safe ways to report incidents.
She reminded everyone about the Ministry’s toll-free Orange Support Center line: 0800-111-222.
As she officially launched the campaign, Dr. Lartey reiterated her dedication to ensuring that every Ghanaian is safeguarded in the national initiative to eliminate gender-based violence.