The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has expressed deep concern over videos and images circulating on social media that reportedly involve a woman named Nana Akua Addo and her child and has promised to take steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
The footage appears to show a physical altercation in which Ms. Addo has visible injuries, while separate footage purportedly shows a child being subjected to physical violence. The Ministry said it is closely following developments.
While the full facts of the reported incidents are still being established, the Ministry said it is working with the appropriate institutions to ascertain the safety of those involved and determine the interventions required. It has also urged the public to stop sharing graphic videos and unverified claims.
In a statement, the Ministry said it was disturbed by the images and reports. It stressed that violence in any form is unacceptable and must never be normalised, excused or tolerated.
“Violence, in all its forms, is unacceptable and must not be normalised, excused or tolerated under any circumstances.”
MoGCSP
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting women and children from violence, abuse and other forms of harm. It said it will continue to work with the relevant institutions to make sure that people affected by violence receive protection, care and support.
Legal framework
The Ministry referred to two laws that guide the protection of vulnerable persons. The Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732) provides a legal framework for protecting people from domestic violence. The Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560) provides for the protection and welfare of children.
According to the Ministry, these laws form the basis for holding offenders accountable. It said persons who subject others to violence and abuse will face the consequences under the law.
The statement carried a firm warning to anyone who commits violence against women, children or any other person. The Ministry said such acts have no place in Ghanaian society.
It also rejected any attempt to justify abuse, saying that no relationship, domestic circumstance, disagreement or perceived provocation can excuse violence.
Victims urged to speak out
The Ministry encouraged women and all persons experiencing domestic, gender-based or other forms of violence not to endure abuse in silence or accept it as a normal part of any relationship.
“Abuse is never the fault of the victim, and silence only emboldens perpetrators.”
MoGCSP
It said help is available. Victims, and anyone with credible information about a person at risk, are asked to report to the nearest police station or Social Welfare office. They may also call the Ministry’s toll-free lines: Domestic Violence Secretariat Call Centre: 0800-111-222 (toll-free), WhatsApp: 055 175 7575, Helpline of Hope Call Centre: 0800-800-800 or 0800-900-900 (toll-free)
Public asked to stop sharing videos
The Ministry also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing graphic videos, personal information and unverified claims about the woman and child involved. It acknowledged that public concern is understandable.
However, it warned that continued circulation of such material could further expose and distress those involved, particularly the child.
The appeal underscores growing concern over how violent content spreads online and the harm it can do to victims, especially minors, whose identities and experiences can be further compromised once such material goes viral.
The Ministry did not say what specific steps it has taken so far or give a timeline for any intervention. It said only that it is taking the necessary measures to ascertain the safety and wellbeing of the persons involved and to determine appropriate support.
No information has been provided on whether a formal complaint has been lodged with the police or whether any investigation is under way. The circumstances surrounding the footage, including when and where it was recorded, have also not been independently established.
The Ministry restated its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and wellbeing of women and children in the country.
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