Central Region records more cases of domestic violence in 2014
The Central Region reported 3,358 cases of domestic violence in 2014. According to the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit (DOVVSU) in the region, out of the reported cases, 267 were rape, defilement and incest related.
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Quoting the statistics at a two-day gender policy dialogue for traditional authorities and stakeholders in Cape Coast on Tuesday, the acting Regional Director, Department of Gender, Mrs Thywill Eyra Kpe, also mentioned that reports from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) indicate that during the same year, more than 75,000 cases of teenage pregnancy were recorded in the country.
She stressed the need for a collective and comprehensive approach from all stakeholders to tackle issues that persist in communities and affect girls of school age.
“These forms of violence are all precursors for teenage pregnancies and early marriage and need to be looked at seriously”, she said.
Potential of women
She stated that over the past century, countries and societies had realised the need to tap the rich potential of women as a tool for development instead of relegating them to the background, pointing out that providing an equitable environment for both men and women to use their inherent potential to contribute positively to the development process, was a positive step to development.
She said relegating women to the background had greatly affected the development of many societies and had placed unnecessary burden on men because in some families, the entire burden rested solely on the man.
“Some men who are unable to meet these expectations single handedly may turn to unleash their frustrations on their wives by becoming violent,” she pointed out.
International protocols
Mrs Kpe said Ghana had, over the years, ratified several international protocols and agreements aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls, but pointed out that despite these legislations and efforts, women and girls were still confronted with daunting challenges such as early marriages and teenage pregnancy.
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The deputy Central Regional Coordinating Director, Mr Dunkan Opare, expressed grave concern about the startling statistics of teenage pregnancy in the country in general and the region in particular.
He said the “unhealthy competition among our young girls to become mothers should attract our attention as a country.”
He urged parents to be responsible for the welfare of their children and appealed to traditional leaders to play crucial roles in addressing such problems.
The Queenmother of Mankessim and President of the Central Regional Queenmothers Association, Nana Ama Amissah III, pledged the association’s commitment to help fight the canker.