Gambaga (N/R), May 17, GNA - The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in the East Mamprusi District recorded 13 domestic violence cases in 2008. Mr Sulley Sawyer Salifu, East Mamprusi District Director of CHRAJ, who told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Gambaga on Friday, said apart from the domestic violence, the outfit also received complaints of child neglect cases.

He attributed the low number of reported cases to constant educational and awareness campaign on domestic violence with greater emphasis on the need for parents to be more responsible. Mr Salifu said of the 13 cases, CHRAJ successfully resolved 10, while two cases were referred to a family tribunal of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service. One case, he said, was still pending. He said many of the cases were filed against men, who felt superior over women, and as a result molested their wives as a show of their superiority.

Mr Salifu said in 2008 CHRAJ carried out an awareness and educational campaign on female genital mutilation, domestic violence as well as economic, social and cultural rights in some 30 communities. He said CHRAJ had received six cases at its Gambaga office this year and that they would soon embark on a vigorous campaign to ensure that people adhered to safeguarding human rights. He said Gambaga office, which currently has only one motor bike as an official means of transport, was hampering efficient operations of CHRAJ.

He called for a separate office for the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District to enhance administrative work. 17 May 09