By; Ama Joycelyn Tseyiboe
Communicative and Advocacy Lead for the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Patience Kesewaa Ampomah, speaking on GTV’s breakfast show on November 26,2025 emphasized that while physical violence often draws public attention, other forms of abuse such as sexual abuse, emotional abuse , verbal abuse , and economic abuse are equally damaging.
“Gender-based violence is not only about physical beating or harassment,”she explained. “Comments about someone’s appearance, insults, or controlling financial resources all form part of Gender Based Violence ,she added. These acts psychologically hurt individuals and affect their emotional well-being.”
The discussion highlighted that women remain disproportionately affected, especially in workplaces and public spaces. Unwelcome comments on appearance, dressing, or body shape can constitute sexual harassment, even when the comment may appear as a compliment to the speaker.
Economic violence was also flagged as a significant concern.Patience noted that controlling access to money or resources can leave victims dependent and vulnerable, often trapping them in abusive situations.“Emotional blackmail, economic control, verbal insults, these are all subtle forms of GBV that people tend to overlook, but they are very real and harmful,” she said.
Experts are calling for greater awareness and interventions to address all forms of gender-based violence in Ghana, beyond the physical abuse that often dominates headlines.
