The first-ever One-Stop Centre on Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) was commissioned in Accra to enhance access to justice, psycho-social interventions and other services for survivors of domestic violence.
In a speech read on behalf of His Excellency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, by the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ambrose Dery stated that the eradication of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is critical to nation-building.
The Minister said Government is committed to protecting women and children from violence which was evident in the ratification of related international treaties and subsequent incorporation into Ghana’s laws. He added that Government will ensure that women and children are given the needed protection as their security is critical to national development.
Hon. Ambrose Dery commended the Chief Justice, His Lordship, Justice Kwasi Anin –Yeboah for setting up two child–friendly courts and also commended the United Nations Children’s Fund for funding the project.
He endorsed the Ghana Police Service agenda to expand the one-stop centre to all parts of the country and appealed to the donor community, individuals and corporate organizations to support DOVVSU when they come knocking on their doors.
He acknowledged the immense support of the Ghana Police Administration for initiating the project and all former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), current IGP, Criminal Investigation Department Administration, Director of DOVVSU, Plan International Ghana, Church of Latter-Day Saints, West Africa Programme to Combat AIDS and STI, Power of Worship International Ghana, Individuals and other cooperate institutions who immensely supported the completion of this project.
The Hon. Minister urged the Ghana Police Administration to ensure that more of such centres are constructed across the country for survivors of domestic violence to receive justice and be cared for. He also urged the Ghana Police Service to put the facility to good use and ensure that it is well maintained.
