Gender ministry holds stakeholders meeting on Domestic Violence Laws

In a significant step toward enhancing protections for survivors of domestic violence, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through its Domestic Violence Secretariat, held a stakeholders’ meeting on  February 26,  2025.

The event brought together legal experts, social workers, civil society organizations, development partners, and other key stakeholders to review existing legislative measures and explore innovative tools to support survivors. 

Addressing the gathering, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, underscored the evolving nature of domestic violence, emphasizing that it manifests in various forms—including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse.

 She noted that while such issues were once considered private matters and rarely discussed openly, significant progress has been made in creating a legal framework that fosters public discourse and structured interventions.

“The advocacy from you as stakeholders cannot be overemphasized, and the Ministry is grateful for your input,” the Minister stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening policies that protect the rights of the vulnerable.

Recognizing the increasing role of technology, the Minister highlighted the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence and digital platforms to enhance the fight against domestic violence.

A key highlight of the meeting was a presentation by legal expert Sheila Minkah-Premo on the intricacies of domestic violence laws, including Act 732, the Legislative Instrument (L.I.), and the National Plan of Action. The session provided an in-depth analysis of the legal framework, outlining key provisions and their practical implications for survivors and service providers.

Beyond legal reforms, the meeting also showcased advancements in survivor support mechanisms.

The Ministry launched an upgraded version of the Boame SGBV Mobile Application – a digital tool designed to provide immediate assistance and resources for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

The stakeholders’ meeting reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening domestic violence laws and enhancing survivor support systems.