The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has called on the Government to strengthen Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention policies to create a safer society where people could live harmoniously.
It described GBV as a pressing societal issue that transcended gender, emphasising it as a fundamental human rights concern.
Mr Moses Davor, Chairman, Volta Regional Branch of the GPRTU, said this in a speech read on his behalf when the Union, in partnership with the Volta Regional Directorate of the Department of Gender, marked the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The event forms part of the “16 Routes, 16 Stations: Public Transport Unites Against GBV” campaign, which was marked with a flag raising ceremony at the Ho Transport Station with support from the United Nations Population Fund and MTN Ghana.
The collaborative event highlighted the transport sector’s critical role in combating GBV and fostering respect and safety in communities.
Mr Davor said GBV often stemmed from unequal power dynamics and societal expectations and was perpetuated by individuals in positions of authority.
He urged stakeholders to take proactive measures to ensure such incidences were reported and victims supported.
He reaffirmed the Union’s dedication to addressing GBV and providing training for its members to equip them with the requisite knowledge and skills to deal with the issue.
Mrs Thwill Kpe, the Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, sensitised participants on the objectives of the 16 Days of Activism.
She told the Ghana News Agency that the global campaign sought to end violence against women and girls while advocating equality and respect for human rights.
He gave the forms of gender-based violence as economic, psychological, and sexual, which arose from unequal power relations and societal expectations.
She highlighted the legal framework protecting vulnerable groups, noting that it was an offense to engage in sexual activity with a minor or transact dowry over a child.
Mrs Kpe reminded the participants of the Law’s stance against procuration of sex and permitting sexual exploitation within households.
Madam Esi Sena Nyanyovor of the Department of Social Welfare encouraged participants to report non-maintenance cases to social welfare officers for immediate intervention.
She advised that susceptible traffickers be reported to the police or any law enforcement officer.
The event reinforced the shared responsibility of communities, policymakers, and organisations in tackling GBV and supporting survivors.
GNA
