Brong-Ahafo Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has expressed worry over the growing cases of domestic violence and spousal killings in the region.

Addressing stakeholders, including Christian, Muslim, and Traditional Religious leaders, and Youth Associations at a symposium, the Brong-Ahafo Presbytery chairman, Rev. Benjamin Appiah, indicated that the church has a significant role to ensure the society is free from such acts.

The symposium was held in Sunyani under the theme, “The causes and effects of domestic violence and serial killing of spouses in recent times and how to eradicate this menace.”

Last year the Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene, told the Bono Regional House of Chiefs that spousal murders are on the increase.

“It will interest you to know that, between June to November 30th 2022, we’ve had 17 deaths as a result of spousal murders”, she stated.

She said couples of various ages’ lack of appreciation for what marriage is all about has contributed to attacks on each other with the least provocation, hence urging stakeholders to offer proper counselling before partners enter into marriage.

This among other reported cases, caused the Brong-Ahafo Presbytery to organize the symposium to, among other things, shed light on the underlying causes and consequences of domestic violence and the alarming trend of spousal serial killings.

The symposium also focused on discussing effective strategies and solutions to eliminate this harmful and destructive phenomenon from society.

Rev. Benjamin Appiah, the Chairperson of the Brong-Ahafo Presbytery, highlighted the church's responsibility to promote love, respect, and healthy relationships among its members.

“The killings are becoming too much, a situation that affects women and children mostly”, he said, adding that “We must also step up educating people to minimize, if not eradicate, what is going on in recent times in marriages”.

By providing guidance, counselling, and support, he said the church can contribute to creating an environment where domestic violence is not tolerated and individuals can live in peace and harmony.

Detective Inspector Bright Asare, with the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, strongly advised partners to seek immediate professional guidance when they notice unusual behaviours from their partners, especially from state institutions mandated in handling such cases.

He mentioned some of the signs as continuous anger, denial of participation in social and church activities, comments such as “death before divorce”, “if I can’t have you, no one will have you”, “you belong to me and no one”, if you ever leave me, I will kill you and kill myself”, “I can’t leave without you”.

He called on churches and other religious bodies to organize programmes to orient their members on the causes, effects and how to overcome domestic violence.

Johnson Mawuli Tsagli, Director of Public Education at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), encouraged couples to treat their partners with respect and dignity.

Queen mother of Odumase No.1 and a representative of the Bono Regional Queenmothers Association, Nana Yaa Adansi Poduo, urged couples to seek guidance from God when they face challenges, for He would give them the necessary counsel to navigate through them successfully.