Traditional and community leaders have been urged to stop attempting to settle serious cases of gender-based violence (GBV) through informal family reconciliation and instead refer them to institutions mandated to enforce the law.
The call was made by Madam Melody Darkey, Executive Director of Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) Ghana, at a Gender and Women Leaders Short Course organised by Regent University College of Science and Technology (RUCST), in collaboration with the Obaapa Development Foundation and Starweb Real-Time Resources Limited.
The programme, supported by MSI Reproductive Choices Ghana and Reload Experience Ghana, focused on equipping women and community leaders with knowledge to address child marriage, adolescent exploitation and gender-based violence.
Madam Darkey said while traditional authorities played an important role in promoting peace and reconciliation, they needed to understand the limits of their authority when dealing with cases involving violence and abuse.
She explained that some cases could legally be settled through reconciliation, but leaders should not attempt to handle serious offences that fall within the mandate of the formal justice and law enforcement systems.
“There are cases the law permits them to settle in the interest of reconciliation, and they should apply the appropriate principles. However, for cases they are not authorised to handle, they should not attempt to do so. They can report such cases to the appropriate authorities,” she said.
According to her, informal handling of serious GBV cases could deny survivors access to justice and potentially expose them to further abuse.
She therefore urged community leaders to establish discreet and confidential reporting mechanisms where victims and survivors could safely report abuse without fear of stigma, retaliation or backlash.
Madam Darkey also called on traditional authorities to use their influence to openly condemn violence and challenge cultural and social norms that contribute to abuse against women and girls.
She said women leaders, in particular, could use their networks and convening power to mobilise communities, promote positive social norms, keep girls in school and create environments where women and girls could live without violence.
Ms Joyce Odame, Child Protection Officer at UNICEF, meanwhile, urged community and women leaders to place greater emphasis on preventing child marriage and adolescent exploitation before they occur.
She encouraged leaders who had acquired knowledge about the drivers of child marriage and exploitation to organise sensitisation programmes for girls, parents and caregivers on the risks involved and the importance of supporting girls’ development.
Ms Odame noted that limited communication between parents and children about puberty and sexuality could leave girls vulnerable as they navigate adolescence.
She said some parents avoided such conversations, potentially leaving girls without the information and support needed to make safe decisions and increasing their vulnerability to transactional sex and early marriage.
“We must adopt a supportive approach. Girls need to understand that the changes they experience are normal, but they must also be taught to be cautious and empowered to say no. They must know that transactional sex is not the only option available to them,” she said.
She also encouraged community leaders to connect girls with trusted mentors and positive role models who could provide guidance and a safe space for them to seek help.
Participants said the training had strengthened their understanding of the legal and social dimensions of GBV and child protection.
Nana Akosua Afi Addobea, Guantoahemaa of Mampong-Akuapem, said the legal knowledge gained from the programme would enhance her capacity to deal with cases brought before her at the palace.
Nana Pambia IV, Divisional Queenmother of Ngleshie Amanfrom, also called for collective action to eliminate harmful practices, saying the training had equipped women leaders with knowledge to respond more effectively to GBV and child marriage.
The facilitators stressed that stronger community prevention, safe reporting systems and proper referral of cases were critical to protecting women and girls and ensuring that perpetrators of serious abuse faced the appropriate legal processes.
