The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Gender Development Centre (EGDC), has held a national training workshop on the prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment in Accra.

The workshop was held from 15 to 18 September 2025.

Organised in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the four-day capacity-building workshop brought together participants from government ministries, civil society organisations, security agencies, and the ECOWAS National Office.

The initiative sought to strengthen institutional and professional capacities for the effective prevention, reporting, and management of GBV cases across the country.

Participants received training on the judicial, medical, and psychosocial care of GBV survivors, with particular emphasis on the principles of confidentiality, survivor-centred approaches, and victim protection.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of coordinated action among state institutions, traditional authorities, and community leaders to ensure justice and rehabilitation for victims.

The workshop culminated in the adoption of a national roadmap for the dissemination and implementation of standardised tools to combat gender-based violence and sexual harassment.

Stakeholders further issued a collective call for zero tolerance towards all forms of gender-based violence in Ghana, reaffirming ECOWAS’ and Ghana’s shared commitment to promoting gender equality, human dignity, and social justice.

According to ECOWAS, the initiative forms part of its regional strategy to eradicate gender-based violence, empower women and girls, and foster inclusive development across West Africa in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050.