As part of efforts to tackle issues of gender-based violence and protection of vulnerable groups in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and its environs,
the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly under the Twin-Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project (TCSPP) has supported the Department of Social Welfare
and Community Development and the Western Command of Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service with office equipment
and sectional repair works of their office buildings and furniture.
The presentations were held at different ceremonies and saw DOVVSU receiving one (1) air conditioner, a desktop computer, a photocopier machine,
bookshelves and re-conditioning office tables and chairs. The Department of Social Welfare and Community Development on the other hand, was supported
with the construction of Accessibility Ramps with Galvanized Metal Guardrails, Sectional Renovation of their office building including the conference
hall and the supply of a Desktop Computer, Printer and 25 Plastic Chairs for case hearings at the conference hall.
Presenting the items, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. Abdul Mumin-Issah, said the presentations
to the two institutions will go a long way to enhance their service delivery to clients who patronize their services. He noted DOVVSU, since its establishment
has helped resolve several cases which otherwise would have ended in court or created conflicts among family members. He commended officers of the unit for their
commitments and dedication over the years to help settle the spousal and family issues that come before them.
At the Department of Social Welfare, the Mayor noted that the provision of an accessibility ramp at the Social Welfare office building has always been at the heart
of the Assembly, and he is happy it has finally actualized to make the facility open to the people living with disability. He also urged workers of Social Welfare to
take good care of the items and ensure that they are used to benefit people who access their services.
On behalf of the Social Welfare Department, the regional director, Mr. Jonathan Gyan Gyau, officially received the items and thanked the TCSPP for the support. Mr. Gyau asked for more assistance from other private and public institutions or individuals to enable the department adequately execute its mandate. He added that the department is currently not adequately resourced due to competing needs on the limited national budget. He assured proper use of the office equipment toserve their intended purposes. Speaking on behalf of the Police Service, ACP Dr Kwame Tsidi, Assistant Western Regional Commander, expressed their gratitude for the support and assured that the items will add to the effort made by his outfit to serve and support all who walk through their doors.
Elizabeth Arthur, the Technical Advisor of TCSPP, said the support forms part of the 3-year TCSPP being implemented in the cities of Sekondi-Takoradi and Palermo (Italy) with funding from the European Union (E.U). She said the goal of the project is to enhance the capacity of STMA to address challenges of urban governance, climate change and social exclusions. She added that the supports are geared towards protecting the rights of the vulnerable against all forms of abuse. She said the computers are expected to help the two institutions establish effective database for crime detection, prevention and prosecution.