By Murtala Issah
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is emerging as a growing social and public health concern among women and teenage girls in Ghana’s Northern and North East regions, with a new study highlighting severe psychological consequences for survivors.
The study, funded by the African Women Development Fund (AWDF) and led by SWIDA Ghana, was conducted by the Total Life Enhancement Centre Ghana (TOLECGH). It was spearheaded by Peter Mintir Amadu, a psychologist, lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS) and founder of TOLECGH.
Researchers describe a pattern of widespread abuse, underreporting and weak support systems, despite increased awareness of SGBV as a human rights issue.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the study surveyed 512 teenage girls aged 13 to 18 across Tamale, Sagnerigu and Walewale. The survey was complemented by focus group discussions, survivor interviews and key informant engagements with professionals and community leaders.
The findings indicate that nine out of ten respondents, representing about 90%, had experienced some form of sexual or gender-based violence. Of these, 41% reported at least one incident, while 38% said they had experienced repeated or occasional abuse.
Forms of abuse varied. Emotional violence accounted for 35%, physical and verbal abuse 25%, sexual violence 20%, and economic abuse 10%. Most incidents occurred in spaces considered safe. About 55% of respondents said the abuse happened at home, while 35% reported incidents in school. Slightly over 10% said the abuse occurred in workplaces or other settings.
Beyond physical harm, the study highlights significant psychological effects. Nearly 80% of respondents reported psychological distress, with 32% experiencing depression. More than 51% reported anxiety, 25% chronic stress, and about 54% met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
According to the lead researcher, these findings show how SGBV undermines the mental health, self-worth and future prospects of young girls.
“SGBV is not just a social issue; it is a mental health emergency. Many survivors are forced to live with trauma without access to counselling or psychosocial care,” Mr Amadu said in an interview with GBC News in Tamale.
Although 65% of respondents said they were aware of available support services, only 40% of survivors had accessed any form of assistance. The study attributes this gap to stigma, limited knowledge of how to navigate services and financial constraints.
The research identified patriarchal attitudes, polygamy and victim-blaming as key drivers of SGBV. Nearly half of respondents said their communities tend to blame victims rather than perpetrators, reinforcing fear and silence.
Qualitative findings also pointed to gaps in Ghana’s SGBV response framework in the Northern Region, including inadequate psychological services, limited counselling and rehabilitation centres, and concerns about confidentiality. Service providers cited resource constraints and understaffing, while community leaders pointed to weak coordination among institutions.
Researchers say the convergence of views from survivors, counsellors and community leaders strengthens the credibility of the findings and underscores the need for survivor-centred responses. These include expanding mental health and psychosocial support services, strengthening policy enforcement, training more psychologists and social workers, and investing in community-based prevention.
Mr Amadu warned that without decisive action, cycles of trauma and gender inequality could deepen.
“Protecting women and girls requires more than laws. It demands functional systems, trained professionals, community ownership and sustained investment in mental health care,” he said.
