Ghana has reaffirmed its strong commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls, describing it as a national priority anchored in the country’s Constitution and international gender equality obligations.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, delivered this message during a high-level meeting on “Violence Against Women and Girls” held on the margins of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
In her address, the Gender Minister highlighted Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks, ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence receive timely, coordinated and dignified support.
She spotlighted the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, which has established an ultra-modern One-Stop Center at the Police Headquarters. The facility offers holistic services, including child-friendly district and circuit courts, shelter accommodation, social welfare officers, legal aid, clinical psychologists, soundproof interview rooms, a clinic, a playroom for children, and a dedicated 24-hour helpline.
The Minister also drew attention to the Orange Support Center, set up by her Ministry, which provides integrated services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The Center operates a 24-hour toll-free call centre and delivers counselling, legal and medical support, supplemented by the BOAME (Help Me) mobile application for easy access.
Additionally, government has operationalised the Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund to offer financial assistance to survivors, aiding their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Beyond response and support services, Ghana is placing strong emphasis on prevention through education, empowerment of girls and young women, and active engagement of men and boys to foster respectful and non-violent relationships.
In this regard, the Gender Minister noted that Ghana has institutionalised an Annual Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity. The conference seeks to challenge harmful social norms, promote behavioural change, and encourage men to become active partners in ending violence against women and girls.
To conclude her statement, the Minister emphasised Ghana’s determination to continue strengthening laws, improving enforcement mechanisms, and addressing emerging forms of violence, particularly online abuse and technology-facilitated exploitation.
“Ghana remains committed to strengthening laws, improving enforcement mechanisms and addressing emerging forms of violence, including online abuse and technology-facilitated exploitation,” she stated.
The high-level meeting provided Ghana with a platform to showcase its progress and reaffirm its resolve to protect women and girls from all forms of violence, in line with national and global commitments.