The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Department of Gender and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, organized an advocacy program in Techiman to raise awareness about harmful traditional practices. The event aimed to engage 60 traditional and religious leaders, encouraging them to use their influence to speak out against practices such as child marriage and gender-based violence.
Mrs. Joycelyn Adii, Regional Director of the Department of Gender, emphasized the role of traditional and religious leaders as powerful agents of change in promoting societal transformation. She highlighted that these leaders have large followings and can effectively address harmful cultural practices through education.
Supt. Setina Aboagye, DOVVSU Coordinator for Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions, discussed the challenges in prosecuting cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), noting that societal norms often prevent victims from reporting crimes. She stressed the need for changes in these societal norms to support victims.
Participants, including Mr. Issah Tackyie, an Arabic coordinator at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, and Rev. Prince Owusu-Asaku, President of the Local Council of Churches, praised the program and called for more education on SGBV to address issues like child marriage and domestic violence.
Madam Margaret Adoma, the Girl Coordinator for the Ghana Education Service in Techiman, emphasized that the involvement of traditional and religious leaders is crucial in the fight against harmful practices.
The Regional Director of Gender also explained that harmful cultural practices, such as female genital mutilation, widowhood rites, and early marriages, should be abolished. She called for traditions to evolve to align with modern values while eliminating practices that dehumanize individuals.
The meeting concluded with calls for stricter law enforcement to combat sexual violence and protect vulnerable children, with Mallam Osman Ahmed Yeboah, Chief Imam of Nkoranza South, advocating for harsher punishments for offenders. Mr. George Yaw Ankamah, Regional Director of the Department of Children, stressed that everyone must advocate for children’s rights and work to end violations hidden under the guise of culture and tradition.
