Mövenpick GM calls for stronger action on gender-based violence
The General Manager of Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Issac Okpoti Adjei, has stressed the urgent need for society to confront gender-based violence (GBV) with honesty and accountability, warning that silence only strengthens perpetrators and deepens the suffering of survivors.
“Silence protects the perpetrator, not the survivor. Silence delays justice, weakens accountability and hinders healing,” he stated.
Mr Adjei noted that, too often, issues of GBV were trivialised, dismissed, or hidden, with victims blamed instead of supported.
He emphasised that many abusers escape justice because of their social standing, economic influence, or access to powerful networks, enabling them to continue their harmful actions without consequence.
He made these remarks at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel’s maiden Women’s Empowerment Summit, held as part of activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The summit, themed: “Breaking the Silence: Advancing Justice, Accountability and Support to End Gender-Based Violence,” sought to promote safe and respectful environments, strengthen justice system responses, and empower individuals to speak up without fear. It also aims to enhance accountability systems and expand prevention strategies.
By investing in stronger support structures for survivors and encouraging open dialogue, the summit aimed to challenge systemic violence and reinforce values of dignity, equality, and social progress.
Statistics
Highlighting a disturbing finding from the 2025 Domestic Violence Survey, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, revealed that 27.7 per cent of Ghanaian women had experienced domestic violence, underscoring how such abuse dehumanises victims and violates their fundamental human rights.
She noted that the government had responded with several comprehensive interventions, including the establishment of specialised units such as the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), the creation of a Domestic Violence Secretariat, the development of a 10-year strategic plan to end child marriage, and an ongoing effort to draft a strengthened domestic abuse law that will provide firmer legal protection for women and girls.
“As women and leaders, we have a task to end violence against women and girls. If we come together at this gathering, pool ideas and resources, we can support women and girls with the social services they need for a better life,” Dr Lartey said.
Awareness
The Vice-President of People and Culture Operations for Premium, Midscale and Economy brands at Accor, Verona Naidoo, stressed the importance of raising awareness, challenging harmful societal norms and taking meaningful action to foster safer communities and workplaces.
She emphasised that freedom from gender-based violence is not merely a principle but a fundamental human right, the right to live without fear, discrimination, or abuse.
Panel discussion
Panellists delved into the complex challenges associated with legal aid and justice delivery for victims of gender-based violence.
They explored the obstacles victims face when seeking redress, particularly in cases involving child defilement, domestic violence and sexual harassment.
The discussion highlighted systemic barriers that often prevent victims from reporting incidents or accessing effective legal remedies, including emotional trauma, fear of stigma, and limited institutional support, and stressed the need for a more coordinated and survivor-centred approach across the legal, medical and law enforcement sectors.
