Adaklu: Madam Esther Buakuma, Assistant Superintendent of Police in charge of Adaklu District, emphasized the need to empower women and girls to be assertive in order to tackle domestic violence effectively. She highlighted that increased advocacy, community involvement, and male participation are crucial in addressing domestic and sexual violence issues.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Buakuma made these remarks during an engagement session organized by the Adaklu District office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) with boys and men at the Animal market in Adaklu Waya. The session aimed to educate participants on adolescent health, gender equality, and preventing gender-based violence. This initiative was funded by Global Affairs, Canada and implemented by NCCE and UNFPA.
Madam Buakuma stressed the importance of educating parents and stakeholders on their responsibilities toward their children, particularly girls, and on understanding their rights. She advised parents to establish open communication with their children, encouraging them to share their concerns freely. The police officer urged attendees to report incidents of domestic and sexual violence to law enforcement rather than handling such cases privately, warning that legal consequences await perpetrators.
Highlighting the outdated notion that men should dominate women, Madam Buakuma called for a shift in societal attitudes. She pointed out the negative impacts of domestic and sexual violence, including stigmatization, family breakdown, depression, anxiety, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions. She also encouraged men to support their partners in becoming financially independent.
Mr. Alfred Torff, a nurse, advised parents not to shy away from discussing sexual issues with their children, as this knowledge could help prevent pre-marital and unprotected sex and teenage pregnancies. He urged men to respect their partners' autonomy and warned against forcing them into sexual activities. Furthermore, he advocated for providing adolescent girls with sanitary pads to avoid embarrassment during menstruation.
Mr. Francis Asamani, Adaklu District Director of NCCE, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to engaging community groups to raise awareness about the dangers of domestic and sexual violence and adolescent reproductive health, empowering individuals to drive change in their communities.