Ending the Silence: Real Lives, Real Reforms in Ghana

In Ghana, attempts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) are more than just policy proposals; they are a response to real people and genuine suffering. Under Sustainable Development Goal 16, which supports peace, justice, and strong institutions, both the government and civil society are stepping up to assist survivors and fight harmful norms.

One highly publicized case concerned Francisca Aryee, a 21-year-old mother who was assaulted while carrying her eight-month-old child. A bystander's video from Korle Gonno showed her partner, a 29-year-old fisherman, severely beating her. The video went viral, causing nationwide uproar. Authorities responded quickly, and the man was remanded by the Accra Gender Violence Court. Francisca received timely medical attention and psychological support.

Another story that caught public attention was that of Karen Baaba Sam. Married in 2016, she began facing abuse just two years later, even while pregnant. Despite multiple reports, she was allegedly denied justice when police officers protected her abuser. Karen’s story became a national conversation on institutional accountability and the many barriers survivors face when seeking justice.

Ghana's legal system has responded with legislation such as the Domestic Violence Act (2007) and the formation of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, which currently monitors survivor assistance and policy implementation. In 2023, the government established a Domestic Violence Fund to provide legal aid, shelter, and rehabilitation. Specialized courts have been established to provide a more sympathetic atmosphere for survivors, particularly youngsters.

On the ground, civil society plays an important role. Community-based teams, such as COMBAT (directed by the Gender Centre), teach residents to advise survivors and settle disputes. Organizations such as RUWA-Ghana provide direct assistance, as in the case of a young woman in Wa who reported an assault by her brother, despite strong family pressure to drop the case. Meanwhile, Juliana Dogbadzi's International Needs Ghana continues to rescue females from forced religious slavery (Trokosi) while also advocating for institutional change.

Despite almost 12,000 documented domestic abuse instances in 2022, many incidents remain unreported owing to stigma and fear. Survivors like Francisca and Karen remind us that progress requires compassion, fortitude, and community support, not just laws. Ghana is progressing, and the voices of survivors are paving the road for a more just and inclusive society.