Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Civil society organizations (CSOs) and media institutions are calling on the Government of Ghana to significantly increase the allocation to the Domestic Violence (DV) Fund in the upcoming national budget.
This appeal was made during a stakeholder engagement meeting focused on sustaining advocacy for increased funding to the DV Fund, organized by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Ghana) on October 29, 2025, in Accra.
According to a joint communiqué issued at the meeting, the DV Fund has received a disproportionately low allocation of less than 0.01% of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection’s budget since 2021.
The communiqué stated, “Ghana’s Domestic Violence Fund, established under the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732), is facing a severe funding crisis, leaving countless survivors of domestic violence without access to essential services.”
It was also revealed that there has been an alarming 87.66% reduction in the DV Fund allocation for 2025 compared to 2024, with no funds allocated for capital expenditures, including the construction of shelters.
The communiqué reiterated, “The consequences of underfunding are devastating. Survivors are forced to return to abusive environments, and many are left without access to medical care, psychological support, and legal aid.”
Stakeholders are urging the government to set aside dedicated funding for the construction and operation of shelters across all regions and districts of Ghana, as well as to ensure the timely release and payment of funds into the DV Fund.
Additionally, the media is encouraged to prioritize coverage of domestic violence issues and join the advocacy for protection and justice for survivors.
The Domestic Violence Fund is crucial for providing essential services to survivors, and the government must play a key role in addressing domestic violence through consistent financial commitments.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
