The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra hosted the Women’s Empowerment Summit on Friday, November 28. The event brought together government officials, justice sector representatives, civil society leaders, and international advocates.
The summit, held under the theme “Breaking the Silence: Advancing Justice, Accountability, and Support to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV),” emphasised collective action, accountability, and the urgent need to strengthen support systems for survivors.
General Manager of Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Isaac Okpoti Adjei Esq., in his opening address, appealed for renewed societal commitment to addressing GBV.
Mr Adjei stressed that the pervasive issue affects people across all ages, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds, yet remains largely obscured by “silence, stigma, and systemic gaps.”
“Silence delays justice, weakens accountability, and hinders healing,” Mr Adjei said. “Too often, survivors are blamed and perpetrators, especially those with influence or economic power, evade consequences. Issues of Gender-Based Violence are trivialised and swept under the carpet, leaving victims and survivors chastised rather than comforted.”
He called for a “real and proper paradigm shift”, urging institutions and society at large to ensure victims receive justice and support while abusers are held fully accountable.
He reaffirmed the hotel’s commitment to using its platform to support initiatives fostering dignity, equality, and social progress.
“Hosting this summit reflects our commitment to creating safe, respectful spaces within our walls and beyond them,” Adjei said.
He expressed confidence that the summit would strengthen justice-sector responses, shape policy, and enhance support systems for survivors.
Representing the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Faustina Acheampong, Director at the Department of Gender, praised the summit as a timely platform for coordinated national action.
She highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and ending GBV, emphasising that this year’s summit coincided with Ghana’s official launch of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Mrs Acheampong cited the 2026 Domestic Violence Survey, which revealed that 27.7% of Ghanaian women have experienced at least one form of domestic violence in their lifetime.
She stressed that GBV not only violates human rights but also undermines women’s health, education, economic independence, and overall well-being, ultimately slowing national development.
Vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities and the elderly, are disproportionately affected.
Highlighting progress, Mrs Acheampong announced the parliamentary approval of the revised National Domestic Violence Policy, designed to strengthen coordination, survivor support, institutional response, and preventive strategies nationwide.
“As women and leaders, we have a task to end violence against women and girls,” she stated. “If we come together and put our ideas and resources together, we can champion and promote gender equality and equity.”
Vice President for People and Culture Operations for the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye (Premium, Midscale & Economy Brands), Verona Naidoo addressed the summit, sharing her insights from an “extraordinary week” in Ghana.
She reinforced the message that creating safe communities and workplaces is not only an organisational responsibility but a fundamental human right.
Mrs Naidoo highlighted Accra’s She Leads programme, developed with RISE, which promotes gender equality, male allyship, and inclusive leadership.
She explained, “She and he lead together it’s not one gender,” underscoring that equality is a shared responsibility.
Additionally, she commended Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel for pioneering Accor’s Human Rights Advocacy Campaign in the region, which focuses on prevention, protection, and recovery for individuals affected by rights violations.
“Ending gender-based violence requires all of us not just one person, not a single institution, not a silo,” she said. “So let’s stand together, because together, we are powerful.”
The summit convened an influential line-up of stakeholders, including:
- Her Ladyship Justice Asare Afia Serwah Botwe, Justice of the Court of Appeal
- Mrs Linda Aboah, Ghana Legal Aid Commission
- ACP Owusua Kyeremeh, Director, 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 women’s rights organisations
The gathering provided a platform for networking, policy dialogue, and the exchange of strategies to strengthen GBV prevention and response mechanisms.