The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has partnered with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and taken a decisive step in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in Ghana through its Gender Development Center. From 15 to 18 September 2025, a four-day national training workshop was held in Accra to enhance the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to GBV and sexual harassment.
This collaborative initiative brought together key national and regional stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, security agencies, and the ECOWAS National Office. The Ministry of Gender played a central role in organizing and facilitating the workshop, underscoring its leadership in gender-responsive governance and regional cooperation.
The training sessions were tailored to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical tools in the prevention, reporting, and management of GBV incidents. Emphasis was placed on survivor-centered approaches, confidentiality, ethical handling of cases, and multi-sectoral coordination. Participants were trained in best practices across judicial, medical, and psychosocial support systems to improve survivor outcomes and access to justice.
A core component of the workshop was the need for a coordinated national approach to GBV. Stakeholders agreed that collective action among state institutions, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, and community actors is essential. Such collaboration ensures accountability, effective case management, and the development of sustainable solutions to prevent the recurrence of violence.
One of the key achievements of the workshop was the adoption of a national roadmap to combat GBV and sexual harassment. This roadmap serves as a strategic framework for standardizing tools, procedures, and policies. It is expected to enhance institutional responses, strengthen data collection systems, and guide sustainable interventions at national and local levels.
In a joint declaration, the Ministry of Gender and ECOWAS reaffirmed their commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to GBV. They called for the protection of human rights, the promotion of gender equality, and the safeguarding of dignity for all individuals, particularly women and girls. Empowering women and girls was highlighted as a vital pillar of national development and social transformation.
This initiative aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050, which aims to create a peaceful, inclusive, and gender-responsive West Africa. The partnership reflects Ghana’s active role in advancing regional strategies that promote equality and eliminate all forms of violence and discrimination.
Officials from the Ministry of Gender emphasized that the workshop complements Ghana’s broader efforts to align national policies with international frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, Goal 5 of the SDGs, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, was cited as a guiding principle.
The ministry also stressed the importance of community awareness and education in preventing GBV. Participants acknowledged that long-term change must begin at the grassroots level, involving traditional authorities, faith-based groups, men, boys, and broader community networks in creating a culture of respect, equity, and justice.
Through this powerful partnership with ECOWAS, the Ministry of Gender has reinforced its leadership in shaping policies, driving institutional reforms, and promoting national dialogue on gender-based violence. The training workshop represents a critical milestone in Ghana’s efforts to build resilience within institutions, support survivors, and foster a society where GBV is not tolerated.
With the implementation of the new national roadmap and the continued engagement of trained stakeholders, the Ministry of Gender is well-positioned to sustain momentum in the fight against gender-based violence.
