The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is pushing for improved counselling structures and early reporting pathways as it examines the rising impact of gender-based violence on marriages across Ghana.
At an engagement session, officials highlighted the various forms of abuse affecting relationships, verbal, physical, sexual and emotional, warning that many incidents remain hidden due to stigma, fear or limited awareness.
Madam Celestine Adzokovi, a civic educator, stressed that emotional abuse is frequently ignored despite its deep psychological effects. She urged individuals facing difficulties to confide in trusted people while being cautious about whom they open up to.
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Mr Edmond Babatunde, also a civic educator, illustrated how emotional violence can manifest, describing a case where a husband becomes hostile after observing late-night calls to his wife, withdrawing communication and refusing her meals. He noted that men equally suffer silent forms of abuse.
Speakers called on churches to reinforce counselling programmes for both men and women to help couples navigate challenges before they worsen. Families were also encouraged to step in early when disagreements arise.
Officials reminded the public that victims can access free help from the NCCE, CHRAJ and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service, assuring individuals that no one seeking support will be exposed or abandoned.
