The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra has renewed calls for a united, multi-sector effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), emphasizing justice, accountability, and stronger support systems for survivors. The call was made during the hotel’s Women Empowerment Summit, held under the theme “Breaking the Silence: Advancing Justice, Accountability and Support to End Gender-Based Violence.”
Delivering the welcome address, the General Manager of the hotel, Isaac Okpoti Adjei, stressed that GBV remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations and must be confronted through collective action.
“Silence protects the perpetrator, not the survivor. Silence delays justice, weakens accountability, and hinders healing,” he said, urging society to move away from victim-blaming and focus on protecting survivors and holding abusers accountable.
He noted that many survivors continue to face stigma, while perpetrators particularly those with influence or social standin goften evade justice. “It is time for a real paradigm shift where victims receive justice and support, and abusers face the consequences of their actions,” he added.
Key Figures and Stakeholders Present
The summit brought together an influential line-up of stakeholders from the justice, security, and advocacy sectors, including:
- Madam Faustina Acheampong, Director at the Department of Gender, representing the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection
- Her Ladyship Justice Asare Afia Serwah Botwe, Justice of the Court of Appeal
- Mrs. Linda Aboah, Ghana Legal Aid Commission
- ACP Owusua Kyeremeh, Director of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Ghana Police Service
- Dr. Vanessa Aseye Atikpui, Gender and social development advocate
- Representatives from civil society groups, legal institutions, and key organizations supporting women’s rights
Their presence reinforced the summit’s mission to strengthen Ghana’s response to GBV through collaboration across the justice system, law enforcement, and social support partners.
A Three-Pronged Approach
Mr. Adjei outlined the hotel’s strategy to contribute to the national fight against GBV through:
- Awareness creation
- Strengthening understanding of the justice system
- Expanding support avenues for survivors
He emphasized that the private sector stands ready to partner with government, but urged stronger policy reforms and early education—especially in schools—to reshape harmful gender attitudes from adolescence.
Commitment to Continuous Action
The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel announced that the summit marks the beginning of a broader initiative, with additional workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder engagements planned throughout the year to keep GBV advocacy active across communities.
“As a global hospitality brand, we believe in using our platform to foster dignity, equality, and social progress,” Mr. Adjei said. “Together, we can build a society where everyone lives free from fear, violence, and discrimination.”
He encouraged participants to leave the summit with renewed determination to champion justice, advocate for survivors, and contribute to a society that protects rather than silences victims.
