Gender Ministry targets 16 regional shelters for survivors of abuse

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is taking steps to establish a network of shelters across Ghana's 16 regions to aid survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, revealed that the government has already set up a shelter in Accra and is providing support to two more facilities located in the Upper West and Eastern Regions.

These shelters are offering survivors protection, counseling, and various forms of assistance as they heal from abuse and exploitation.

Dr Lartey stated that the Ministry aims to expand the shelter network further, with plans to build two to three additional facilities in 2027. This expansion is part of their efforts to improve access to support services for survivors outside Accra. She emphasized that the Orange Support Center is available to all survivors of sexual or gender-based violence, reachable toll-free at 0800 111 222 or via WhatsApp at 055 1755 7575.

The Minister highlighted that expanding the shelter network would ensure that survivors do not need to travel long distances to receive specialized support, thereby strengthening Ghana's response to gender-based violence.