The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) has called on the Ghanaian government to implement urgent measures to protect women, girls, and vulnerable groups such as kayayei (female head porters), warning that progressive laws have yet to provide real safeguards.
During its promotion mission from 29th September to 2nd October 2025, the Commission noted that while Ghana has enacted strong human rights legislation—including the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act and the Domestic Violence Act—the gap between law and practice remains wide.
“A stark gap exists between progressive laws and the lived reality for women and girls,” the delegation observed.
The mission highlighted the plight of young women and girls from northern Ghana who migrate south as kayayei, stressing that “these young women and girls are subjected to exploitation, abuse, and trafficking, and most of them are homeless which increases their vulnerability.”
It also criticized the lack of safe shelters for survivors of abuse, noting: “The critical lack of state-funded, operational shelters for survivors of gender-based violence leaves them without protection a failure compounded by the inadequate allocation of funds to the Domestic Violence Fund.”
The Commission urged government to combat harmful cultural practices, recommending, “Launch a robust, nationwide campaign to combat deeply rooted harmful practices,” citing witchcraft accusations, female genital mutilation, and the Trokosi system as key areas of concern.
The delegation also highlighted persistent stigma against women living with HIV, noting that “deeply entrenched stigma, such as the refusal of 8 in 10 Ghanaians to buy food from a person living with HIV, disproportionately affects women.”
While recognizing these challenges, the ACHPR commended Ghana for its progressive legal framework, stating, “Ghana has established a comprehensive domestic legal framework that, in many areas, surpasses regional standards,” with the Domestic Violence Act and the Disability Act cited as positive examples.
In its recommendations, the Commission pressed Ghana to enforce gender equality laws more effectively and develop a national action plan specifically for kayayei, focusing on economic empowerment, social protection, and reintegration to ensure these vulnerable women and girls can live safely and with dignity.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
