Religious and traditional powerbrokers across Ghana have joined forces to tackle the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence plaguing communities nationwide. The leaders gathered at Kumasi Central Mosque for an intensive two-day training session that ran from July 9 through July 10. Muslim Family Counselling Services spearheaded the workshop on behalf of Faith to Action Network, bringing together influential figures from various faiths and traditional backgrounds. The event aimed to build stronger partnerships while educating participants about the many forms of abuse affecting vulnerable populations. Virtual attendees from Togo, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone also participated in the groundbreaking initiative.
Heavy hitters at the gathering included Ashanti Regional Chief Imam Sheikh Abdul Rahman Zakaria and Traditional Head of the Frafra community Chief Musah Akambonga. Nana Ogyam Amankwah from Kumasi Agogo and Rev. Father Richmond Darko Yeboah from St. Cyprian's Anglican Cathedral also attended the landmark meeting. The cleric from the Anglican cathedral pledged to spread awareness through his congregation using every available channel. He pointed to alarming global statistics showing one in ten girls worldwide faces sexual violence while one in three women experiences physical or sexual assault. Ghana's children between ages one and fourteen suffer gender-based violence at a staggering 94 percent rate according to government reports.
Executive Director Mohammed Bun Bida emphasized how faith leaders wield tremendous community influence but often lack knowledge about identifying abuse patterns. Expert presenters Hajia Lamnatu Adam and Aba Oppong delivered comprehensive sessions covering prevention strategies, legal frameworks, and intervention methods. Participants left with renewed determination to make their voices heard on what they consider a pressing moral crisis.
Heavy hitters at the gathering included Ashanti Regional Chief Imam Sheikh Abdul Rahman Zakaria and Traditional Head of the Frafra community Chief Musah Akambonga. Nana Ogyam Amankwah from Kumasi Agogo and Rev. Father Richmond Darko Yeboah from St. Cyprian's Anglican Cathedral also attended the landmark meeting. The cleric from the Anglican cathedral pledged to spread awareness through his congregation using every available channel. He pointed to alarming global statistics showing one in ten girls worldwide faces sexual violence while one in three women experiences physical or sexual assault. Ghana's children between ages one and fourteen suffer gender-based violence at a staggering 94 percent rate according to government reports.
Executive Director Mohammed Bun Bida emphasized how faith leaders wield tremendous community influence but often lack knowledge about identifying abuse patterns. Expert presenters Hajia Lamnatu Adam and Aba Oppong delivered comprehensive sessions covering prevention strategies, legal frameworks, and intervention methods. Participants left with renewed determination to make their voices heard on what they consider a pressing moral crisis.
