A recent report by Madam Thelma Hayford, Gender Advisor at OXFAM Ghana in Wa, reveals a concerning trend of domestic violence in the Upper West Region.
According to her, between 2023 and 2024, over 300 cases of domestic violence were reported. The alarming statistics were disclosed on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, during the launch of the Regional Domestic Violence Support Fund.
The Domestic Violence Support Fund initiative championed by Gyinsung Shelter, in partnership with OXFAM, Pronet North through the Department of Gender, was launched aiming to support vulnerable victims and survivors of domestic violence while promoting a culture of non-violence in the Community.
The fund, which is established to receive donations from individuals, organisations or groups, will also enable victims to seek medical care and treatment.
“We believe that addressing Gender-based violence is fundamental to ending inequity in our society. It’s not a women’s issue. It is a justice issue and a development issue,” Madam Thelma stated.
The Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Department of Gender, Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) and the Ghana Health Service are the institutions working around the fund.
Regional Head at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Charity Bature, while explaining the need for the establishment of the fund, recounts the stress one goes through to handle cases of domestic violence.
“It takes a lot to address issues of Domestic violence. It is not just when you get to the police station, NO!!. We think about building a good docket which you can present in court,” she explained.
She expressed gratitude to all the committee members and stakeholders for their support.
“Could you believe Our Regional Police Commander send food to our shelter periodically? she quizzes.
She stated that the Upper West Region is fortunate because, aside from Accra, the region is next to have a government-owned shelter.
The Domestic Violence Act of 2007, Act 732, makes provisions for the establishment of the Domestic Violence Fund with the Legislative Instrument 2237 as operational guidelines to the fund and its decentralization to the regional level.
The Upper West Domestic Violence Fund initiative was officially launched by the Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing.
