SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME HELD IN CAPE COAST FOR OPINION LEADERS

By Augustina Brown

The Central Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Stephen Andoh- Kwofie has expressed concern over the increase in cases of violence from 2002 to 2010 in the region and has described it as awful.

He said there was the need to seek support from stakeholders to reduce the problem, adding that though the police was mandated to combat crime and other menace in the country, they cannot tackle cases of assault, defilement, unlawful rejection, neglect of parental duties among others that led to the establishment of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) to take care of such cases.

DCOP Andoh-Kwofie made this statement during a one day sensitization programme for opinion leaders in the Cape Coast Metropolis on Friday to enlighten them on Act 72 of 2007 which established the DOVVSU.

According to him, there was the need for the Police Service to strengthen its crime combating network in order for the service to reduce crime and other offences in the region hence the involvement of the opinion leaders in their strategy.

The Central Regional Coordinator of DOVVSU, ASP George Appiah-Sekyi told newsmen that there has been over 20,000 cases of domestic violence recorded in the rgion since the name was changed from WAJU to DOVVSU in 2002.

He said the sensitization programme was held by DOVVSU because opinion leaders play major role in the socio-economic lives of the people they represent.

He urged opinion leader not to settle cases of domestic violence on their own, adding that it’s unlawful for anyone to take the law into his / her own hands.

He warned all parents to desist from engaging opinion leaders in the settlement of domestic violence issues. 

He also warned that anyone found in such acts will be arrested and prosecuted before the law court.

ASP Appiah-Sekyi therefore advised the general public to report cases of domestic violence to DOVVSU as early as possible for action.

The programme was attended by Chiefs, Queen Mothers, family heads, Assembly Members and women among others who have a stake in the development of the society and the nation as a whole.