The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, has condemned what it describes as the horrific act of violence captured on video in which a man is seen brutally assaulting his naked wife. The act, it notes, is not only barbaric and dehumanizing, but a direct violation of her dignity, rights, and bodily integrity, which is an affront to the collective conscience of the nation. This was contained in a statement signed by the Chairperson, Dr. Charity Binka.
It states that the incident, which comes days after the Akyempim tragedy—in which a man killed his wife and six children—is a horrifying pattern of violent attacks against women and girls in Ghana that spirals into a national emergency demanding immediate and decisive action.
AWLN Ghana appeals to the Police not to treat the incident as a domestic dispute, but to prosecute and punish the perpetrator without delay to send a clear message that Ghana does not tolerate gender-based violence in any form.
It further urges law enforcement agencies to prioritize domestic violence cases, ensuring swift response, protection for victims, and accountability for offenders.
It says the Whistleblower Act 2006 (Act 720) should be fully implemented to encourage community members who witness violence to speak up and report, as well as seek help for the victims.
The statement urges the government to intensify education on the Domestic Violence Act 2007 (Act 732), to reinforce community-level prevention programmes, and strengthen social protection systems that shield women and children.
It says women living in abusive homes should be provided safe shelters, counselling, and practical help.
AWLN Ghana, while standing firmly with survivors of domestic violence, calls on all partners—including government agencies, civil society, traditional authorities, faith leaders, and the media—to join forces in protecting the lives of women and girls, stating that violence against women is not a private matter but a national crisis that must be confronted with all the seriousness it deserves.
