The government has commissioned a new shelter for survivors of domestic violence, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening protection and support services for victims of abuse across the country.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, officially opened the facility alongside the Chairperson of the Domestic Violence Board, Dr Miriam Iddrisu, and a representative of UNICEF.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr Lartey described the shelter as a place of safety, dignity, hope and recovery for people affected by abuse.
She said domestic and gender based violence continue to affect women, children and other vulnerable groups, often leaving survivors with physical injuries, emotional trauma and long term psychological effects.
The minister noted that although the government has introduced several measures to tackle domestic violence, including the Domestic Violence Act, the Domestic Violence Secretariat and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, access to safe shelter services remains inadequate.
She said the new facility forms part of broader efforts by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama to expand shelter and protection services nationwide. According to her, the initiative is intended to ensure that survivors receive the care, protection and psychosocial support needed to rebuild their lives.
Dr Lartey emphasised the important role shelters play in providing temporary accommodation, counselling, legal assistance, medical support and rehabilitation services for survivors.
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing domestic violence, protecting survivors and strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration systems across the country.
Representatives of the Domestic Violence Board and UNICEF welcomed the initiative and called for stronger prevention measures, increased public education and effective operational systems to ensure the long term sustainability of the shelter.
