Curbing Domestic Violence: Asante Presbytery Launches “Thursdays In Black Campaign”
The Asante Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has launched the “Thursdays in Black Campaign” in solidarity with victims of sexual and gender based and domestic violence in the country.
To this end, Rev. Samuel Kwasi Ahimah Yeboah, Chairperson of the Asante Presbytery, is calling on all stakeholders to join forces to ensure an end to gender based and domestic violence which he described as appalling and unacceptable.
“It is an ecumenical campaign that requires the involvement of everyone, not just the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, or the Christian community but all level headed persons to come together and fight this irresponsible conduct”.
The campaign was launched on Thursday at the Ramseyer Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Kumasi-Adum. It is being coordinated by the Development and Social Services (DSS) Department of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
Rev. Kwasi Yeboah called on all Ghanaians to boldly condemn and speak out against sexual and gender based violence. He said it is the responsibility of all religious groups, individuals and other groups to stand against the irresponsible conduct.
“It is our responsibility to speak against all forms of gender based, sexual and domestic violence in the society. So we are encouraged to wear black or any representation of black every Thursday as a symbol of solidarity in strength and resistance against gender based, sexual and domestic violence.”
Speaking to Opemsuo News, he encouraged victims of any form of gender based, sexual and domestic violence to report to the appropriate authorities for the law to take its course for a violent free society.
The Chairperson further urged all courts in the Church and recognized groups at all levels to organize seminars on gender based and sexual violence and invite experts to speak against the conduct.
The event was attended by the Asante Presbytery Clerk, Rev Samuel Adu Gyamfi; Rev. Mrs. Rebecca F.A. Abladey; Mrs. Teiko Sarbah, DSS Director; and Ashanti Regional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU).
Others included Queen Mothers in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, representatives of the Men’s and Women’s Fellowship, Young Adults’ Fellowship, Young People’s Guild, Junior Youth and students.
Story by George Addo