Volta GPRTU Marks 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Ho

The awareness programme, organised by Volta GPRTU, was held at the Ho Main Lorry Station as part of nationwide activities across all 16 regions. The event sought to educate transport operators and the general public on how to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), with a special focus on public transport spaces.

GPRTU Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Transport

In a welcome address, Madam Vida Nkpente, secretary of GPRTU Ho Branch 8 described the union as more than just a transport association, but a family that prioritizes the safety and dignity of every member.

She explained that the objectives of the programme were to:

• Raise awareness about GBV and its impact on communities and workplaces
• Equip drivers and station workers to serve as frontline protectors of passengers
• Strengthen GPRTU’s commitment to a violence-free transport sector
• Build a culture of respect, equality and responsible conduct in transport operations

She encouraged participants to actively engage and carry the message back to their stations and communities.

GPRTU Chairman Pledges Strong Action

The Volta Regional Chairman of GPRTU, Mr. Moses Davor, pledged the union’s firm commitment to ending GBV within the transport sector.

He assured that all stations, vehicles and terminals in the Volta Region would be made violence-free and harassment-free zones, especially for women and children. He further promised continuous education, clear internal reporting systems and strict disciplinary action against offenders.

Mr. Davor also pledged collaboration with the Police, CHRAJ, the Department of Social Welfare and civil society organisations to ensure swift response to GBV cases.

Traditional Authority Advocates Women’s Inclusion

Delivering a goodwill message, Togbe Adza Osei VII, called for increased inclusion of women in the transport sector, particularly in driving and union leadership roles.

He also announced a free education initiative for underprivileged girls who wish to enroll at Ho Technical University, to support girl-child education in the region.

Department of Gender Highlights Rising Digital Abuse

The Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Mrs. Thywill Eyra Kpe, stressed that gender-based violence is not confined to homes, but also affects workplaces, schools, communities and public transport spaces.

She noted that the 16 Days of Activism, observed annually from 26 November to 10 December, was established by the United Nations to help reduce gender-based violence worldwide, and raised concern that GBV cases are increasing in schools and communities.

Mrs. Kpe disclosed that this year, the Ministry of Gender collaborated with GPRTU and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to extend advocacy to the transport sector, recognising that drivers interact with thousands of people daily.

She explained that the partnership aims to equip drivers to educate their households and communities, and to report suspected cases to the appropriate institutions.

She raised alarm over the growing trend of digital violence, where individuals use technology to violate women and girls by sharing private images, exposing sensitive body parts, and engaging in online verbal abuse due to domestic misunderstandings.

According to her, such acts are destroying lives and are punishable under Ghana’s cybersecurity laws.

She added that the Department of Gender continues to educate parents to monitor their children’s use of mobile phones, computers and the internet to protect them from online risks.

Call to Parents and Guardians

In a solidarity message, Madam Nancy Anyri of the Department of Social Welfare urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities on social media and mobile devices.

She appealed to the public to take children’s reports of sexual harassment seriously, instead of dismissing or blaming them, stressing that creating a safe environment for children is a shared responsibility.

She further cautioned parents against encouraging their wards to seek financial support from men in exchange for favours, noting that such practices are illegal and expose children to abuse and exploitation.

A Call for Collective Action

The programme ended with a strong call for collective action to make Ho and the entire Volta Region safe from violence, fear and abuse.

Participants were encouraged to become ambassadors of the campaign and help promote a respectful, safe and inclusive transport environment for all.