Concerns over increasing cases of child neglect, teenage pregnancy and other social challenges have prompted a renewed campaign against gender-based violence in the Yilo Krobo Municipality.
The initiative, led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Yilo Krobo Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), brought together community members and key stakeholders for a one-day sensitisation programme in Somanya.
Supported by Global Affairs Canada, the programme assembled persons with disabilities, religious groups, security personnel, health professionals, and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to discuss the impact of gender-based violence on families and communities.
Addressing participants, Mrs Henrietta Glikpo, Municipal Director of the NCCE, expressed concern about what she described as alarming levels of parental neglect and teenage pregnancy within the municipality.
She stressed that parenting involved more than giving birth and called on both fathers and mothers to take active responsibility for the welfare and development of their children.
“We organised this programme to let people know that giving birth alone is not enough; being responsible is what matters. It is not only the father who is responsible for the care and well-being of a child. Mothers must also contribute towards the growth and development of their children,” she said.
Mrs Glikpo noted that although no formal study had been conducted by her office, interactions with schools, churches, community groups and complaints received suggested that gender-based violence and neglect remained widespread.
She warned that the situation was contributing to social problems such as child prostitution, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, requiring urgent intervention from all stakeholders.
The programme also highlighted the importance of reporting abuse and ensuring that victims receive support and protection.
Mr Akuffo Larbi, Yilo Krobo Municipal Director of CHRAJ, encouraged victims and witnesses of gender-based violence to speak out and seek assistance through the appropriate institutions.
He emphasised the need for women to pursue economic empowerment to reduce vulnerability to abuse and urged parents to pay closer attention to the wellbeing of their children.
Mr Larbi reminded parents that Ghana’s Constitution and the Children’s Act impose legal obligations on parents to provide for their children, noting that CHRAJ regularly handles child maintenance cases and compels non-compliant parents to fulfil their responsibilities.
The Somanya District Police Commander, ASP Nana Akomeah, also urged parents to take greater responsibility for protecting their children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
He warned that defilement remained a serious criminal offence under Ghanaian law and assured participants that offenders would face prosecution.
Organisers said the sensitisation programme forms part of broader efforts to reduce gender-based violence, strengthen child protection and promote safer and healthier communities across the municipality.
