The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), has officially launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign on Tuesday, November 25, at the Kaneshie Market in Accra.
The event brought together development partners, civil society organisations, transport sector leaders and members of the public to strengthen advocacy, amplify community-led initiatives and advance protections for women and girls against all forms of violence. This year’s campaign, themed “Unite! End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” addresses the growing threat of online abuse, including cyberbullying, image-based sexual abuse and sextortion.
In her keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, highlighted the persistent challenge of gender-based violence in Ghana, citing alarming national data.
“Data from the 2016 Domestic Violence Survey in Ghana by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection revealed that about 27.7% of Ghanaian women had experienced at least one form of domestic violence in their lifetime. Another worrying observation from the 2014 DHS is that approximately 32% of women and girls aged 15–24 believe that wife beating is normal due to socio-cultural norms and stereotypes. This is unfortunate and sad,” Dr Lartey stated.
The Minister emphasised that digital platforms have become a new frontier for abuse, requiring urgent and coordinated action. She outlined the government’s comprehensive response, announcing that Cabinet has approved the revised National Domestic Violence Policy. She also confirmed that a new Domestic Abuse Bill and its accompanying Legislative Instrument are currently being drafted by the Attorney General’s Department.
Dr Lartey further highlighted the training of over 200 market executives as paralegals and the mobilisation of more than 100 professional volunteers, including clinical psychologists, medical personnel and legal practitioners, to support survivors. Efforts are also underway to operationalise a shelter in Accra and establish new regional shelters.
Crucially, she underscored the vital role of men and boys as allies, announcing a collaboration with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
“The transport sector, as we know, is dominated by males and we believe that men and boys have a great role to play in ending gender-based violence,” she said.
The UNFPA Country Representative, Dr Wilfred Ochan, reaffirmed the organisation’s steadfast commitment to the cause. He outlined a transport-sector initiative, “16 Stations, 16 Routes, 16 Destinations,” which will leverage Ghana’s transport network to transform public spaces into platforms for awareness and solidarity.
“UNFPA Ghana remains firmly committed to ensuring that no one is left behind — not women, not girls, not persons with disabilities, nor any vulnerable population. We will continue to strengthen systems that protect them and ensure that every journey taken in Ghana is safe from violence,” Dr Ochan affirmed.
He reiterated UNFPA’s broader mission to end unmet need for family planning, prevent maternal deaths and eradicate all forms of gender-based violence and harmful practices.
The launch was attended by dignitaries from the Canadian High Commission, the Domestic Violence Secretariat, the GPRTU and the UN Resident Coordinator, all of whom echoed calls for unified action.
The event also featured a performance by Afrobeat dancer and social media influencer, Dancegod, in support of the campaign.
A symbolic torch-passing ceremony concluded the event, marking the official commencement of nationwide activities aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive Ghana. The Ministry urged the public to report any cases of abuse through its toll-free hotline: 0800 111 222.
