ACCRA, GHANA – A prominent Ghanaian legal and advocacy group is issuing an urgent call to action, demanding that the nation translate its progressive anti-abuse laws into tangible protection for its most vulnerable citizens. The Justice Revived Foundation, spearheaded by its impassioned founder, Mrs. Janice Tiwah Oware, Esq., highlighted a critical gap between legal frameworks and their effective enforcement, particularly concerning child abuse and domestic violence.

 

At a recent event, the Foundation convened stakeholders to explore a multi-faceted approach to tackling abuse, integrating legal, faith-based, cultural, and educational perspectives. Mrs. Oware emphasized that while Ghana boasts a robust legal arsenal, countless victims remain silenced by fear, shame, and a justice system often perceived as slow, intimidating, or inaccessible.

“We have excellent laws on paper, but the real challenge lies in etching them into the lived experience of every Ghanaian, from Tamale to Takoradi,” Mrs. Oware stated, underscoring the urgent need for practical implementation.

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Ghana’s legal landscape includes significant strides in safeguarding human rights. The Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), for instance, provides clear, child-specific definitions of abuse, encompassing:

* Physical abuse: Inflicting physical harm.

* Neglect: Failure to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, and education.

* Sexual abuse: Engaging a child in sexual activity or exploitation.

* Emotional abuse: Persistent criticism, belittling, or rejection that impacts a child’s emotional development.

 

Beyond children, Ghanaian law broadly recognizes abuse as not solely physical. It extends to patterns of behavior intended to control, manipulate, exploit, or harm another person emotionally, economically, or sexually. Key legislative instruments addressing these issues include:

• Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732)
• Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29): Covering offenses such as assault, rape, defilement, and causing harm.
• Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694)
• Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038): Addressing cyberstalking, online harassment, and digital abuse.

 

Furthermore, the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, through Articles 12 to 33, enshrines fundamental human rights and freedoms for all individuals.

 

Despite this comprehensive legal framework, Mrs. Oware lamented that “enforcement remains weak.” She pointed out that in many rural areas, abuse frequently goes unreported due to a severe lack of access to legal services and a pervasive distrust in the formal justice system.

The Justice Revived Foundation’s proposed solution centers on strengthening the institutions responsible for upholding these laws. “We must train and resource our police, our DOVVSU units, and our judicial officers to handle abuse cases with sensitivity and urgency,” Mrs. Oware asserted.

 

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service plays a crucial role in responding to and investigating cases of domestic violence and child abuse.

 

The Foundation also advocated for greater adherence to international human rights instruments ratified by Ghana, including:
* The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

• The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights

These treaties, Mrs. Oware emphasized, compel Ghana to align its domestic practices with global standards of dignity and protection, serving as a guiding light in the nation’s ongoing fight against all forms of abuse.

 

The call to action from the Justice Revived Foundation serves as a poignant reminder that legal reform is only the first step; true justice demands unwavering commitment to implementation and accessible support for every survivor.