Ghana-28th Session November 2017-Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values

Para 44) Seven ‘witch’ camps have been identified in the Northern and Northeast Regions of Ghana. Efforts are ongoing to close these camps (SDG5). The challenge remains the slowness of the process and making the camps habitable. In the meantime, Ghana’s Gender Ministry has embarked on sensitization programmes, awareness – raising campaigns and relief support interventions in the camps and communities. An Emergency LEAP program to enroll the households in these camps has been initiated as well as linking them to the National Health Insurance Scheme. 118. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is in the process of developing guidelines for engaging traditional authorities to address sexual and gender-based violence, harmful cultural practices, such as trokosi and female genital mutilation (FGM), and gender inequality in Ghana. There are roles for religious and traditional leaders regarding reporting on these issues. 119. The practice of FGM has been criminalised in Ghana by Section 69A of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). 120. There has been continuous sensitization programmes through the Gender Ministry and other state institutions, such as the Police Service (DOVVSU), Department of Social Welfare and Ghana Health Service on harmful cultural practices, such as FGM and other discriminatory practices against women. Para 122) Two high-level meetings were held in the Greater Accra Region with traditional and religious leaders from across the country to sensitize them on early marriage, FGM, domestic and gender-based violence and its dangers, including obstetric fistula. Para 123) These efforts have led to an increase in the reportage of gender-based violence and its related harmful practices. CHRAJ received about 89 cases of early child enforced marriages, which were duly investigated. Para 124) DOVVSU, per its mandates as a specialized Police Unit, has branches across the country that receives, investigates, apprehends, and prosecutes perpetrators of harmful traditional practices. The Unit also has intensified its awareness campaigns as a preventive measure against gender-based violence. Para 127) The DOVVSU One Stop Centre was established to provide well-coordinated, effective, and efficient services for the protection and rehabilitation to victims of any form of violence, including those resulting from harmful traditional practices. The building is a state-of-the-art disability-friendly facility, staffed with, among others, clinical psychologists and lawyers.