High-level meeting on violence against women and girls  (CSW70)

Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (MP)
Minister for Gender, Childen and
Social Protection of the Republic of Ghana
Conference Room 4, UNHQ
March 12, 2026, New York

High-level meeting on violence against women and girls  (CSW70)

Chairperson, Excellencies, Distinguished Colleague Ministers,
Ghana appreciates the opportunity to participate in this High-Level Meeting on the margins of the Commission on the Status of Women to discuss the critical issue of violence against women and girls. Ghana recognises the elimination of violence against women and girls as a national priority, firmly grounded in our Constitution and reinforced through our international commitments on gender equality.

Chairperson,
Ghana continues to strengthen institutional frameworks to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence receive timely, coordinated and dignified support. The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service has established an ultra-modern One-Stop Center at the Police Headquarters to provide holistic services for survivors of abuse. The facility includes child-friendly district and circuit courts, shelter services, social welfare officers, legal aid officers, clinical psychologists, soundproof interview rooms, a clinic, playroom and a 24-hour helpline.

In addition, the Orange Support Center, established by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, provides integrated services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The Center operates a 24-hour toll-free call centre and offers counselling, legal and medical support services, complemented by the BOAME (Help Me) mobile application.

Government has also operationalised the Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and supports their rehabilitation and reintegration.

Chairperson,
Ghana is also prioritising prevention through education and empowerment, particularly for girls and young women, while engaging men and boys as partners in promoting respectful and non-violent relationships. In this regard, Ghana has institutionalised an Annual Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity aimed at challenging harmful social norms and promoting behavioural change to end violence against women and girls.

To conclude,
Ghana remains committed to strengthening laws, improving enforcement mechanisms and addressing emerging forms of violence, including online abuse and technology-facilitated exploitation.

I thank you.