The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has cautioned perpetrators of violence against women and children following videos and images circulating on social media involving fashion designer Nana Akua Addo and her child.
In a statement issued on October 6, the Ministry said the footage appears to show a physical altercation involving Ms Addo with visible injuries, while separate footage purportedly shows a child being subjected to physical violence.
The Ministry said it is deeply concerned by these disturbing images and reports, stressing that violence, in all its forms, is unacceptable and must not be normalised, excused, or tolerated under any circumstances.
It noted that the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732) provides a legal framework for the protection of persons from domestic violence, while the Children's Act, 1998 (Act 560) provides for the protection and welfare of children. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with the appropriate institutions to protect women and children from violence, abuse, and other forms of harm.
While the full facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incidents are still being established, the Ministry said it is closely following developments and taking the necessary steps to ascertain the well-being and safety of the persons involved and determine the appropriate interventions required.
The Ministry took the opportunity to send a strong and unequivocal message to all persons who perpetrate violence against women, children, or any other person, stating that such acts have no place in society. It warned that persons who subject others to violence and abuse will be held accountable in accordance with the law, and that no relationship, domestic circumstance, disagreement, or perceived provocation justifies violence or abuse.
The Ministry encouraged women and all persons experiencing domestic, gender-based, or other forms of violence not to suffer in silence or accept abuse as a normal part of any relationship. It stressed that abuse is never the fault of the victim and that silence only emboldens perpetrators.
Victims and anyone with credible information about a person at risk are urged to report to the nearest police station or Social Welfare office, or call the Ministry's toll-free lines: the Domestic Violence Secretariat Call Centre on 0800-111-222, WhatsApp on 055 175 7575, or the Helpline of Hope Call Centre on 0800-800-800 or 0800-900-900.
The Ministry further urged the public to refrain from sharing graphic videos, personal information, and unverified claims concerning the woman and child involved. It noted that while public concern is understandable, the continued circulation of such material may further expose and distress those involved, particularly the child.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety, and well-being of women and children, and said it will continue to work with relevant institutions to ensure that persons affected by violence receive the necessary protection, care, and support.
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