The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has expressed concern over videos and images circulating widely on social media that reportedly involve a woman identified as Nana Akua Addo and her child.
The footage appears to show a physical altercation involving Ms. Addo, with visible injuries, while separate footage purportedly shows a child being subjected to physical violence.
In a statement issued by its Public Affairs Unit, the Ministry said it had taken note of the disturbing material and was closely following developments.
“The Ministry is deeply concerned by these disturbing images and reports. Violence, in all its forms, is unacceptable and must not be normalised, excused or tolerated under any circumstances,” the statement said.
The Ministry stressed that the full facts surrounding the reported incidents have not yet been established.
“While the full facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incidents are still being established, the Ministry is closely following developments and taking the necessary steps to ascertain the wellbeing and safety of the persons involved and determine the appropriate interventions required,” it said.
The MoGCSP said Ghana’s laws provide mechanisms for protecting people from violence and safeguarding the welfare of children.
“The Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732) provides a legal framework for the protection of persons from domestic violence, while the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560) provides for the protection and welfare of children,” the Ministry said.
It added that it remains committed to working with the appropriate institutions to protect women and children from violence, abuse and other forms of harm.
The Ministry also issued a strong warning to people who perpetrate violence against women, children or any other person.
“Such acts have no place in our society. Persons who subject others to violence and abuse will be held accountable in accordance with the law. No relationship, domestic circumstance, disagreement or perceived provocation justifies violence or abuse,” it said.
The Ministry further encouraged women and other people experiencing domestic, gender-based or other forms of violence to seek help rather than remain silent.
“Abuse is never the fault of the victim and silence only emboldens perpetrators,” the statement said.
Victims and anyone with credible information about a person at risk have been advised to report to the nearest police station or Social Welfare office.
The Ministry provided its Domestic Violence Secretariat Call Centre number as 0800-111-222, which is toll-free. It also provided a WhatsApp contact, 055 175 7575, and the Helpline of Hope numbers 0800-800-800 and 0800-900-900, also toll-free.
The MoGCSP has meanwhile urged the public to stop sharing graphic videos, personal information and unverified claims concerning the woman and child.
“While public concern is understandable, the continued circulation of such material may further expose and distress those involved, particularly the child,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry said it would continue working with relevant institutions to ensure that people affected by violence receive the necessary protection, care and support.
Read the statement below:
