The Network of Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), a network of gender-focused advocacy organisation, has demanded immediate and decisive action to address escalating insecurity threatening the lives, dignity, and livelihoods of women and girls in the Upper East Region.
The call was made in a communiqué presented to Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Regional Minister, in Bolgatanga as part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day, on the theme: “Strengthening Security and Economic Opportunities for Women.”
The communiqué was signed by member organisations of NETRIGHT in the Upper East Region, including Mr Elizabeth Anafo of Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), Ms Jaw-haratu Amadu of RISE-Ghana, Ms Abigail Adumolgo of Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana, Ms Rebecca Lariba Seidu of Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organisation, and Ms Juliet Abajong of Basic Foundation for Women Empowerment.
Prior to the presentation of the communiqué at the Regional Coordinating Council at Bolgatanga, members of the organisations and some women marched through the principal streets of the town.
They held placards with inscriptions such as “Empowering women, ensure safety,” “Promote women’s leadership,” “End violence against women now,” “Stop market day robberies,” “No security, no business,” and “Silence protects abusers, act now.”
The move was part of efforts to draw public attention to the issues and demand accountability and support.
The communiqué, indicated that the increasing wave of insecurity, particularly in Bawku and surrounding communities, had created a dual crisis affecting both safety and economic survival.
The communiqué noted that women traders were increasingly exposed to daylight armed robbery, conflict-related violence, and cross-border insecurity, forcing many to abandon their businesses, which was undermining household incomes.
“While we acknowledge efforts by government and stakeholders to advance gender equality, we must state unequivocally that the pace of progress remains too slow, and the risks facing women and girls are escalating,” it said.
“The current situation demands decisive, visible, and immediate action,” the communiqué stated.
It further urged authorities to guarantee safety in markets and along trading routes by deploying a sustained and visible police presence, particularly on market days.
It also called for the establishment of rapid response security systems in high-risk areas and the provision of safety escorts for traders operating along known insecure corridors.
The communiqué emphasised that addressing insecurity was critical not only for protecting women but also for sustaining economic activities and ensuring regional stability.
Beyond insecurity, the communiqué highlighted other pressing challenges confronting women and girls, including rising teenage pregnancy, limited economic opportunities, underrepresentation in leadership, and weak justice systems in handling gender-based violence cases.
The communiqué reaffirmed the commitment of NETRIGHT organisations to promoting gender equality, supporting peacebuilding efforts, and collaborating with government and development partners to improve the safety and economic well-being of women.
It therefore urged the Regional Minister to prioritise the protection of women and girls as a central component of the region’s development agenda, adding that “the time for action is now.”
“The safety, dignity, and economic empowerment of women must be treated as a regional development priority, not a peripheral concern.
“We respectfully urge the Regional Coordinating Council, under your leadership, to prioritise these issues and work collaboratively with civil society and other stakeholders to create a safer and more inclusive environment for women and girls in the region,” it said.
Receiving the communiqué on behalf of the Regional Minister, Mr Ibrahim Abdul-Kadir Al-Hassan, the Regional Planning Officer at the Regional Coordinating Council, thanked the women and the organisations for the peaceful march.
He promised to present the communiqué to the Regional Minister for action.
