International Child Development Programme, Ghana, has expressed shock and strong condemnation following a widely circulated video showing a man violently assaulting a naked woman, believed to be his estranged wife, in Ofankor, Ga East Municipality.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, November 21, the footage, which has sparked national outrage, reportedly shows the man beating the woman with canes, stripping her naked, stepping on her abdomen, and threatening her with a knife, while also smearing pepper on her body.

The suspect, identified as John Odartey Lamptey, was arrested on November 17. Two of his siblings were also taken into custody for allegedly attacking a tenant who recorded the incident. The victim stated that she had left the matrimonial home months earlier but returned after being informed that one of their children was ill.

She was met with sexual demands, and when she refused, the assault began. She further revealed that previous reports to the Tesano and Ofankor police stations had not led to meaningful action.

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ICDP Ghana described the incident as a reminder of the pervasive problem of domestic and gender-based violence in Ghana. The organisation stressed that such violence is not a private matter but a crime and a grave violation of human dignity and fundamental rights.

The organisation called on the Ghana Police Service, particularly the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), to conduct a thorough and expedited investigation.

It also urged the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to ensure that the victim receives full legal protection and psychological support and encouraged the judiciary to treat the case with the seriousness it deserves to deter similar acts.

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ICDP Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the survivor, providing access to psychosocial services, and called on civil society, community leaders, and the public to ensure the victim is protected and supported through healing and justice.

The organisation also highlighted the need for strengthened community education on respectful relationships, consent, and non-violent conflict resolution. I

ICDP Ghana called for increased investment in prevention programmes, better resourcing of DOVVSU, and full implementation of the Domestic Violence Act to protect survivors effectively.

The organisation urged the public to speak out against domestic violence and cooperate with authorities, emphasising that silence and cultural justification only perpetuate harm.